What medical and dental expenses can I deduct?

What Medical and Dental Expenses Can I Deduct?

Taxpayers may deduct qualified, unreimbursed medical and dental expenses that exceed 7.5% of their adjusted gross income (AGI). This deduction is available only if you itemize deductions on Schedule A (Form 1040) and meet the eligibility criteria.

Eligible Medical and Dental Expenses

Examples of deductible expenses include:

• Insurance premiums for medical and dental care, including qualified long-term care contracts
• Prescription medicines or insulin
• Medical treatment at a center for drug or alcohol addiction
• Medical aids such as eyeglasses, contact lenses, hearing aids
• Weight-loss programs as treatment for a specific disease (including obesity) diagnosed by a doctor

These expenses must be unreimbursed and directly related to medical care. For a complete list of deductible and non-deductible expenses, refer to IRS Publication 502.

How to Claim the Deduction

To claim this deduction:

1. Ensure you are itemizing deductions on Schedule A (Form 1040).
2. Calculate your total qualified medical and dental expenses.
3. Subtract 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI) from the total expenses.
4. Only the amount exceeding 7.5% of AGI is deductible.

The software used by Online Taxes (OLT) automatically performs this calculation for you. You can access this feature by navigating to the Federal section, selecting Deductions, clicking "Show More" next to Medical and Dental Expenses, and then clicking "Start."

Important Notes

• The deduction is subject to phase-out rules based on income and filing status.
• Only expenses paid out-of-pocket and not reimbursed qualify.
• Capital expenses and special care expenses for disabled persons may also be deductible under specific conditions (refer to Pub. 502).

Source:

Publication 502 - Medical and Dental Expenses

Schedule A (Form 1040) - Itemized Deductions

Disclaimer: Always verify details with the official IRS forms, instructions, and publications or consult with your state Department of Revenue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.