Thomas M. Brinker Jr., LL.M. CPA and Professor of Accounting, presented a session on “Examing the Medical Expense Deduction for Families with Special Needs Children (and related financing nuances)” at the Met Life Special Needs Planning 2011 Symposium Oct. 5 in Boston.

“As the number of children diagnosed with autism, Asperger’s syndrome, and other neurological disorders continue to skyrocket, parents and their finacial advisers need to carefully understand and plan for their medical care,” says Brinker. “The focus of the session was to alert planners and parents to this potentially significant income tax deduction. In addition to a review of the expanded medical expense deduction rules, the session also reviewed some financing nuances associated with the medical expense deduction (i.e., retirement planning distributions) and the tax benefit rule.”

Professor Brinker has received awards for teaching excellence, including the PICPA’s Educator of the Year Award and the Lindback Foundation Award for Distinguished Teaching, and lectures primarily in the financial accounting and individual tax areas. Prior to joining the faculty of Arcadia University, Brinker was founding partner in a local CPA firm and member of both the audit and tax departments of Coopers & Lybrand and Arthur Young & Company. He is currently a tax consultant to the financial services industry and local CPA and law firms. His practice concentrates in tax planning and compliance for individuals and businesses.