To the Editor,
It would be a great service to the people of Port Alberni to learn about income tax deductions for medical appointment travel to Nanaimo from Port Alberni. I have read that you can deduct 56.5 cents per kilometre if travelling more than 80 kilometres one way, plus $23 per meal.
Google maps mileage from my home to Nanaimo Hospital says 79.6 kms. Travel BC says 82.5kms. A letter from the doctor must state that the service was not available in Port Alberni.
I have contacted Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) by phone and was told to submit the deduction and see what happens.
I have contacted our MP Gord Johns but haven't received an answer.
Here's an example: My neighbour takes her husband for therapy to Nanaimo at least once a week and she had no idea there was a tax deduction. I am sure that there are many people that take this trip quite often for medical reasons and do not know.
I took my wife to an eye specialist in Nanaimo this week and asked for a letter to confirm that the appointment was necessary. She was given a printed form and filled it out.
I wish I had known about this before; so many deductions lost.
Wayne Perry,
Port Alberni
