In Case You Missed It -- IRS Offers Tax Break for Breastfeeding Supplies

Way back in 2011, the IRS, after years of refusing to do so, agreed to allow tax breaks for breastfeeding women.  This will allow women to claim up to $1000 for breastfeeding supplies, including pumps, pads, storage aids, etc.

Many women are not aware of this tax break.  With Obamacare, many insurance companies are paying for breast pumps to help women to continue to breastfeed after returning to work, or to keep up a supply if baby does not come to the breast.

Jesus told his disciples to "render unto Cesaer that which is Cesaer's".  We are to pay our taxes, even if  "Cesaer" is wanting more and more.  But since this deduction has been approved, you should take advantage of it.

Evidently Cesaer does still have a bit of common sense.  Breastfeeding saves the health care system billions of dollars each year. It also saves the lives of about 900 babies a year in the U.S. alone.  Yet, it seemed to be the health benefits to breastfeeding mothers, and not the babies, that tuned out to be the tipping point to approve this deduction.  Go figure.  However it was decided, the deduction is available, and that is a good thing, as Martha Stewart would say.

Check with your tax adviser for more information, but keep those receipts!

http://www.getirshelp.com/irsblog/2966/tax-breaks-for-breast-feeding-supplies/

If you are shopping for some supplies, these items can be found at the web site of a good company, Baily Medical Engineering. The storage bags and the pads are currently ON SALE! 

Barry Bailey, the president, is a really great guy and has good products.   BME has a  program to help financially stressed women who do not have good insurance and who need a pump when returning to work or school.  It is not intended to function as a hospital grade pump for women pumping exclusively and giving the expressed milk to their babies by bottle or other method.  

This pump has a 5 year warranty and has a closed system.  This means you can give or sell the pump to a friend when you have finished because no bacteria or viruses can enter the system.  All she needs to do is purchase a new attachment kit.

This pump is semi-automatic vs. automatic, which is reflected in the price.  I have worked with women who have used and loved this pump.  I am not endorsing it as THE breast pump to buy -- no pump is right for all women.  However, this is a great pump and kit, and the price point can't be beat.  Bailey Medical Engineering will be happy to answer your questions. Just click on the bags, or pads, or pump to visit BME's web site.