The amount you can get back in taxes for in vitro fertilization (IVF) — IVF tax refund — depends on your income, total medical expenses, and how much you paid out of pocket. The IRS does not offer a specific “IVF tax credit,” but IVF costs can qualify as deductible medical expenses if they meet certain criteria under Internal Revenue Code Section 213. By claiming IVF expenses as itemized deductions, you may be able to reduce your taxable income—and potentially increase your tax refund.
How the IVF Tax Deduction Works
The IRS allows taxpayers to deduct medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of their adjusted gross income (AGI). IVF and other fertility-related treatments fall under qualified medical expenses because they are intended to treat infertility, a recognized medical condition.
For example, if your AGI is $100,000, the first $7,500 (7.5%) of your medical expenses does not qualify. Only expenses above that threshold can be deducted. If you spent $20,000 on IVF and other medical treatments, you could potentially deduct $12,500 ($20,000 – $7,500).
The actual tax savings depend on your marginal tax rate. If you fall into the 22% federal tax bracket, a $12,500 deduction could save you about $2,750 in taxes. However, this benefit only applies if you itemize deductions instead of taking the standard deduction.
What IVF Costs Qualify for Tax Deduction
The IRS allows a wide range of IVF-related expenses to count as medical deductions, including:
- Fertility medications prescribed by your doctor
- Egg retrieval, fertilization, and embryo transfer procedures
- Doctor and laboratory fees
- Embryo or egg storage (if used in current treatment)
- Medical tests and ultrasounds
- Travel costs related to IVF treatments
However, certain costs—such as surrogacy payments, legal fees, or long-term embryo storage—are not deductible because they are not considered medical expenses for the taxpayer.
Maximizing Your IVF Tax Benefit
To get the most from your deduction:
- Keep detailed receipts and medical invoices.
- Track transportation mileage to and from fertility clinics.
- Consult a tax professional familiar with medical expense deductions.
Conclusion on IVF Tax Refund
While you won’t receive a direct refund or credit for IVF, you can lower your taxable income through itemized deductions if your IVF costs exceed 7.5% of your AGI. This can result in meaningful tax savings for those undergoing fertility treatments.
See how much your IVF could save you in taxes: book a consultation with Dimov Tax for a personalized deduction estimate.