Thomas M. Brinker, Jr., LL.M. CPA, Professor of Accounting and Executive Director of the M.B.A. program, recently presented on tax planning and tax benefits for families with special needs children during speaking engagements at several companies and organizations.

On Feb. 15, Brinker presented “Estate and Tax Planning for Children with Special Needs” to the Monroe County Bar Association in Rochester, N.Y. The seminar focused on planning for medical care and understanding tax benefits and traps. Brinker discussed potentially significant income tax deductions, items that would be deductible from adjusted gross income to determine taxable income. He also addressed expanded medical expense rules and other tax rules for families of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Brinker discussed “Examining Tax Benefits Available to Families with Special Needs Children” on March 13 to the Central MA Chapter of the Society of Financial Service Professionals in Worcester, Mass., and on Feb. 15 to Heritage Christian Services in Rochester, N.Y. The session addressed the need for financial planners to understand the deductions and credits available in assisting families with special needs children in planning, which is essential now more than ever, as the number of children diagnosed with autism, Asperger’s syndrome, and other neurological disorders rapidly increases.

The session provided insight about items that are deductible from adjusted gross income to determine taxable income. In addition to reviewing the general requirements for exemptions, credits, and itemized deductions, Brinker addressed the expanded medical expense rules and the financing nuances associated with the medical expense deduction, such as retirement planning distributions and home equity loans, as well as their interaction with the alternative minimum tax. The session enabled participants to assist their clients in maximizing their deductions and credits and educated practitioners working with families with special needs individuals.