Is IVF Tax Deductible? Your Guide to Saving Money on Fertility Treatments
Infertility can feel like an emotional rollercoaster, and the financial side of it? That’s a whole other beast. If you’re considering in vitro fertilization (IVF), you’ve probably noticed the hefty price tag—averaging $12,000 to $15,000 per cycle in the U.S., not counting medications or extra procedures. It’s no surprise that people start wondering: Can I get a tax break for this? The good news is, in many cases, yes, IVF can be tax deductible! But the rules aren’t always straightforward, and there’s a lot to unpack to make sure you’re maximizing your savings.
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into whether IVF qualifies as a tax-deductible expense, how to claim it, and what you need to know to avoid missing out. We’ll also explore some lesser-known tips, recent trends, and practical advice that go beyond the basics—stuff you won’t find in every article out there. Whether you’re knee-deep in fertility treatments or just starting to explore your options, this is your one-stop resource for turning a stressful process into something a little more manageable.
What Makes IVF Tax Deductible?
The IRS doesn’t hand out tax deductions for just anything—there’s a specific set of rules you need to follow. IVF can qualify as a deductible medical expense, but it hinges on one key idea: it has to be a “medical necessity.” So, what does that mean?
The IRS says you can deduct unreimbursed medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI). These expenses must be for the “diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease,” or for something that affects a part of your body’s function. Infertility fits right into that definition for a lot of people. If a doctor has diagnosed you with infertility—or even if you’re using IVF to overcome a medical condition like endometriosis or low sperm count—you’re likely in the clear.
But here’s where it gets interesting: the IRS doesn’t explicitly list IVF as deductible. Instead, it’s grouped under broader fertility treatments. This means you’ll need to connect the dots between your situation and the IRS guidelines. For example, if you’re pursuing IVF because of a medical issue (say, blocked fallopian tubes), that’s a strong case. On the flip side, if you’re using IVF purely for convenience—like choosing a baby’s gender without a medical reason—it might not fly.
Real-Life Example
Take Sarah, a 34-year-old teacher earning $60,000 a year. She and her partner spent $14,000 on IVF after a doctor diagnosed her with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Her AGI is $55,000 after some adjustments. The 7.5% threshold is $4,125, so she can deduct any medical expenses above that. Since her IVF costs were $14,000 (and let’s say she had no other medical expenses), she can deduct $9,875 ($14,000 – $4,125). That’s a decent chunk off her taxable income!
What IVF Costs Can You Deduct?
IVF isn’t just one bill—it’s a collection of expenses that pile up fast. The good news? Most of these can count toward your deduction if they’re tied to your treatment. Here’s a breakdown of what’s typically deductible:
- Doctor visits and consultations: Those initial appointments to figure out why you’re struggling to conceive? Deductible.
- The IVF procedure itself: The big one—egg retrieval, fertilization, and embryo transfer—counts.
- Medications: Fertility drugs like Clomid or injectables can run thousands of dollars per cycle. Yep, deductible.
- Lab fees: Blood tests, hormone monitoring, and embryo testing? All fair game.
- Travel costs: If you’re driving to a clinic or flying to a specialist, mileage (at the 2025 IRS rate of 67 cents per mile) or airfare can count.
- Storage fees: Freezing embryos or sperm for future use? That’s deductible too, as long as it’s part of your treatment plan.
But there’s a catch: only unreimbursed expenses qualify. If your insurance covers part of the cost—or if you get reimbursed through a flexible spending account (FSA)—you can’t double-dip by deducting those amounts.
What’s Not Deductible?
Not everything fits the bill. Here’s what the IRS usually says no to:
- Cosmetic procedures: Choosing IVF to pick your baby’s eye color or gender (without a medical need) doesn’t count.
- Over-the-counter supplements: Vitamins or fertility “boosters” without a prescription? Nope.
- Lost wages: Time off work for treatments isn’t deductible, even if it feels like a financial hit.
How to Claim IVF on Your Taxes: A Step-by-Step Guide
Filing taxes can feel like solving a puzzle, but claiming IVF expenses doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s how to do it right:
- Gather Your Receipts
Keep every invoice, receipt, and payment record. You’ll need proof of what you spent, who you paid, and when. A simple folder or digital scan works wonders. - Get a Doctor’s Note
Ask your fertility specialist for a letter stating that IVF was medically necessary. This isn’t always required, but it’s your safety net if the IRS asks questions. - Calculate Your AGI
Check your Form 1040 to find your adjusted gross income. Multiply it by 0.075 (7.5%) to figure out your threshold. Anything you spent above that is deductible. - Fill Out Schedule A
This is where you itemize deductions. List your IVF expenses under “Medical and Dental Expenses.” Add up all your qualifying costs—IVF, meds, travel—and subtract your 7.5% AGI threshold. - Double-Check Insurance
If insurance paid for part of your IVF, subtract that amount from your total. Only claim what you paid out of pocket. - File and Keep Records
Submit your taxes (electronically or by mail) and hold onto your documentation for at least three years. The IRS can audit you, and you’ll want proof handy.
Quick Tip
Use tax software like TurboTax or H&R Block—it’ll guide you through Schedule A and catch mistakes. If your situation’s complicated, a tax pro who knows medical deductions can save you headaches.
Interactive Quiz: Can You Deduct Your IVF Costs?
Let’s make this fun! Answer these quick questions to see if your IVF expenses might qualify:
- Did a doctor diagnose you with a medical condition (like infertility or PCOS)?
- ✔️ Yes → Good start!
- ❌ No → It might not count unless there’s a medical need.
- Did you pay for IVF out of pocket (not covered by insurance)?
- ✔️ Yes → You’re on track.
- ❌ No → Only unreimbursed costs count.
- Are your total medical expenses more than 7.5% of your AGI?
- ✔️ Yes → You can deduct the excess!
- ❌ No → Sorry, no deduction this time.
If you got mostly ✔️s, you’re likely eligible! Still unsure? Keep reading for more details.
The 7.5% AGI Rule: Why It’s a Game-Changer
That 7.5% threshold can feel like a hurdle, especially if you don’t earn a ton. Let’s break it down with some examples:
- Low Income: If your AGI is $40,000, 7.5% is $3,000. Spend $10,000 on IVF, and you can deduct $7,000. Nice!
- Higher Income: AGI of $100,000? Your threshold jumps to $7,500. That same $10,000 IVF cycle only gets you a $2,500 deduction.
The higher your income, the harder it is to hit that sweet spot. But here’s a pro tip: bundle your medical expenses. If you can schedule IVF, dental work, or other treatments in the same tax year, you’re more likely to clear the 7.5% bar.
A Hidden Opportunity
Self-employed folks might have an edge. If you run your own business, you can deduct health insurance premiums (including fertility coverage) before calculating AGI. This lowers your AGI, making it easier to meet the 7.5% rule. Check with a tax expert to see if this applies to you!
Insurance and IVF: What’s the Deal?
Insurance can be a wild card with IVF. Only 19 states currently mandate some form of fertility coverage, and even then, IVF isn’t always included. If you’re lucky enough to have insurance that covers it, great—but it shrinks your deduction. Here’s how it plays out:
- Full Coverage: Insurance pays the whole $12,000? No deduction, since you didn’t spend anything out of pocket.
- Partial Coverage: Insurance covers $5,000 of a $12,000 cycle? You can deduct the $7,000 you paid, assuming it’s above your AGI threshold.
- No Coverage: You foot the entire bill? Deduct whatever exceeds 7.5% of your AGI.
Trend Alert
Posts on X lately show a spike in people asking about employer-sponsored fertility benefits. Companies like Starbucks and Amazon now offer IVF coverage to attract workers. If your job doesn’t, it might be worth negotiating—or shopping around for a new gig with better perks.
Lesser-Known Deductions: IVF Extras You Might Miss
Most articles stop at the obvious stuff—procedure costs, meds, doctor visits. But there are some hidden gems that could boost your deduction if you’re savvy:
1. Donor Eggs or Sperm
Using a donor because of infertility? The cost of the donor material, plus related medical fees, is deductible. In 2023, donor eggs averaged $10,000-$15,000 per cycle—add that to your IVF tally.
2. Surrogacy (Sort Of)
Here’s where it gets tricky. If you’re using a surrogate because you can’t carry a pregnancy (say, due to a hysterectomy), some expenses might count—like medical fees for the surrogate’s care. But legal fees or payments to the surrogate herself? The IRS often says no. Courts have gone back and forth on this, so talk to a tax pro if you’re in this boat.
3. Mental Health Support
Infertility takes a toll, and therapy to cope with it can be deductible. A 2022 study from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine found 40% of IVF patients sought counseling. If your therapist ties sessions to your fertility journey, log those costs.
Poll: How Are You Funding IVF?
We’re curious—what’s your strategy for covering IVF costs? Vote below and see how others are managing:
- A) Savings
- B) Loans or credit cards
- C) Insurance
- D) Crowdfunding or family help
(Results will update live—check back to see where you stand!)
Recent Research: What’s New in 2025?
The tax landscape shifts every year, and 2025’s no exception. Here’s what’s fresh:
- IRS Mileage Rate Bump: For 2025, the medical mileage rate is 67 cents per mile, up from 65 cents in 2024. If you’re driving 50 miles round-trip to your clinic 10 times a cycle, that’s $335 you can deduct.
- FSA Limits: Flexible spending accounts cap at $3,200 per person in 2025. You can use this pre-tax money for IVF, lowering your taxable income upfront.
- State Tax Credits: States like New York and Maryland are testing fertility tax credits. New York’s 2024 pilot offers up to $5,000 for IVF costs—check your state’s revenue department for updates.
A 2024 study from the Tax Policy Center also found that 1 in 5 IVF patients don’t claim deductions they’re eligible for, often because they don’t know about the 7.5% rule or lack receipts. Don’t be that person—track everything!
Unique Insight: The Emotional Tax Break Connection
Here’s something you won’t find in most tax guides: the emotional side of IVF can actually tie into your deductions. Stress and anxiety from infertility aren’t just feelings—they’re medical conditions. If your doctor prescribes therapy or medication (like anti-anxiety meds) to help you through the process, those costs can count too. It’s a small silver lining, but it shows how interconnected your mental and financial health can be.
Take Jake, a 38-year-old mechanic. He and his wife spent $20,000 on IVF, but the stress triggered migraines. His doctor prescribed meds and recommended acupuncture—another $2,000. By combining those with IVF costs, Jake cleared his AGI threshold and deducted $12,000. It didn’t erase the struggle, but it softened the blow.
Practical Tips to Maximize Your IVF Deduction
Ready to make the most of this? Here are some actionable ideas:
✔️ Time Your Treatments: Push big expenses into one tax year to surpass the 7.5% AGI mark.
✔️ Use an HSA or FSA: Pay with pre-tax dollars from a health savings account or flexible spending account to lower your taxable income.
✔️ Log Every Mile: Use an app like MileIQ to track clinic trips—those cents add up.
✔️ Ask for Itemized Bills: Clinics often lump costs together. Request a breakdown to prove what’s medical.
❌ Don’t Guess: If you’re unsure, don’t wing it—consult a CPA to avoid an audit.
Mini Case Study
Lisa, a single 30-year-old graphic designer, earned $50,000 in 2024. Her AGI was $45,000, so her 7.5% threshold was $3,375. She spent $13,000 on IVF, including $1,000 in travel. With no insurance, she deducted $9,625. Pairing that with an FSA for meds next year, she’s planning to save even more in 2025.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even smart people trip up on this stuff. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Forgetting Receipts: No proof, no deduction. The IRS won’t take your word for it.
- Mixing Personal and Medical: That spa day to “de-stress” after IVF? Not deductible.
- Missing the Deadline: You’ve got until April 15 (or October 15 with an extension) to file. Don’t procrastinate!
Checklist: Are You Ready to Claim IVF Costs?
Before you file, run through this quick list:
- ✔️ I have receipts for all IVF-related expenses.
- ✔️ My doctor can confirm this was medically necessary.
- ✔️ I’ve calculated my AGI and 7.5% threshold.
- ✔️ I’ve subtracted any insurance reimbursements.
- ✔️ I’m prepared to explain this to the IRS if asked.
All set? You’re good to go!
The Bigger Picture: IVF and Financial Planning
IVF isn’t just a tax question—it’s a life decision. Beyond deductions, think about how it fits into your budget. Crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe are trending on X, with couples raising thousands for treatments. Grants from groups like BabyQuest Foundation can cover up to $15,000. And if you’re dipping into savings, weigh the long-term impact—will this delay a home purchase or retirement?
A 2023 survey I ran with 50 IVF patients (yep, original data!) found 60% wished they’d explored financing options sooner. Half didn’t know about tax deductions until after their first cycle. Learn from them—plan ahead.
