Bis zu 490 Euro pro Monat: Abnehmspritze und -pille: Wann sie die Steuerlast senken

Abnehmspritze und Abnehmpille promise effective weight loss for patients, available in pharmacies as prescription medications. However, these drugs are expensive and require ongoing use. Krankenkassen (health insurance) typically do not cover these costs. Nevertheless, the expenses for these prescription medicines can be claimed as extraordinary burdens in the tax return, according to the Bundesverband Lohnsteuerhilfevereine (BVL).

The threshold for claiming this tax relief is when the so-called "reasonable burden of taxation" is exceeded, which depends on income, family status, and number of children. Due to the high drug prices and the need for long-term use, this may regularly be the case, estimates the BVL. A month's supply of the Abnehmpille costs between 170 and 280 Euros, while the Abnehmspritze can amount to up to 490 Euros per month, depending on the dosage, which is gradually increased.

Proof of expenses must be kept, including the cost of the medication itself and any additional medical expenses, such as travel to doctors, physiotherapists, osteopaths, or the pharmacy. Mileage expenses can be claimed at 30 cents per kilometer if a car was used, or the cost of public transportation tickets for using public transport.

It's important to note that only medically prescribed medicines, not self-purchased medications like nasal sprays or painkillers, can be claimed as additional expenses. These costs can be deducted from the tax return if they were prescribed by a doctor, such as through a private prescription. Additionally, costs for aids for the visually impaired and hearing impaired, as well as dental treatments, can also be claimed as medical expenses.