IRS Publication 502: Yes, You Can Deduct Your Medical and Dental Expenses on Your Tax Return

If you’ve never heard of the medical expense deduction, you might be in for a treat.

The Internal Revenue Service offers you a bit of a break on your tax obligations if you’ve paid a lot for medical equipment, medical services, personal care services, and so on. If you’ve racked up a lot of medical bills, Uncle Sam will cut you a small break on your tax bill.

You can deduct a range of medical and dental expenses on your federal income tax return, including payments for doctors, inpatient care, prescription medicines, transportation, and insurance premiums. It’s important to carefully document all your medical and dental expenses throughout the year so that you can take advantage of these deductions on your tax return. Make sure to review IRS Publication 502 for a comprehensive list of deductible expenses and any updates to the AGI limitations.

So, as you prepare to file your annual income tax return, remember that you can deduct a variety of medical and dental expenses, including insurance premiums, as long as they meet the AGI threshold.

When You Can Take the Medical Expense Deduction

You can take the medical expenses deduction on your taxes if you itemize your deductions on Schedule A (Form 1040) and if your deductible medical expenses exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI). Qualifying deductible medical services and medical practitioners include a wide range of costs such as doctor’s visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, and certain medical supplies. In some cases, you can even deduct the costs for the prevention of disease, such as with protective equipment, sanitizing wipes or certain medical costs.

What does the IRS consider a medical expense? They’re the costs of diagnosis, treatment, cure, mitigation or prevention of disease. Medical expenses also include the costs for treatments affecting any part or function of your body, as well as any personal care services.

One rule of thumb is that there needs to be medical reasons for the expense you’re trying to deduct. If you can’t relate what you spent to a medical condition or dental cost, then it doesn’t belong in the list of your medical expenses.

Deductible medical expenses may include but are not limited to the following list of items:

Payments of fees to doctors, dentists, surgeons, chiropractors, psychiatrists, psychologists, and nontraditional medical practitioners
Payments for inpatient hospital care or residential nursing home care, if the availability of medical care is the principal reason for being in the nursing home, including the cost of meals and lodging charged by the hospital or nursing home – however, if the availability of medical care isn’t the principal reason for residence in the nursing home, the deduction is limited to that part of the cost with medical reasons behind it
Payments for acupuncture treatments or inpatient treatment at a center for alcohol or drug addiction; or for participation in a smoking-cessation program and for prescribed drugs to alleviate nicotine withdrawal that require a prescription
Payments to participate in a weight-loss program for a specific disease or diseases diagnosed by a physician, including obesity, but not ordinarily payments for diet food items or the payment of health club dues
Payments for insulin and for prescription drugs
Payments made for admission and transportation to a medical conference relating to a chronic illness of you, your spouse, or your dependent (if the costs are primarily for and essential to necessary medical care) – however, you may not deduct the costs for meals and lodging while attending the medical conference
Payments for false teeth, reading or prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, hearing aids, crutches, wheelchairs
Payments for a guide dog or other service animal to assist a visually impaired or hearing disabled person, or a person with other physical disabilities
Payments for transportation primarily for and essential to medical care that qualify as medical expenses (such as payments of the actual fare for a taxi, bus, train, ambulance, or for transportation by personal car); the amount of your actual out-of-pocket expenses such as for gas and oil; or the amount of the standard mileage rate for medical expenses, plus the cost of tolls and parking

However, other medical services such as cosmetic procedures, most over-the-counter medications, and general health club dues do not qualify.

The limitations on the amount that can be deducted based on your AGI are important to keep in mind. If your AGI is over a certain threshold, the amount of deductible medical expenses may be reduced or entirely eliminated. It’s crucial to carefully calculate and document your medical services to ensure you are claiming the correct amount on your tax return.

There are exceptions to the limitations on deductible expenses based on age. For individuals age 65 and older, the threshold for deductible medical expenses is lower, allowing for a larger deduction. It’s essential to review the specific criteria and consult with a tax professional to determine the correct deductible amount based on your AGI and age.

5 Medical Deductions (you didn’t know you could take)

Can I Deduct Mileage for Medical Treatment?

Did you know that, with the medical expense deduction, you can deduct the mileage for medical treatment when using your personal car for medical transportation? To do so, you will need to keep detailed documentation of your medical expenses, including mileage, gas, oil, tolls, and parking. The standard mileage rate for medical expenses is 19 cents per mile driven for medical purposes.

To calculate and deduct these expenses on Schedule A (Form 1040), you will need to add up all the miles driven for medical purposes and multiply it by the standard mileage rate. In addition, you can also include out-of-pocket expenses for gas, oil, tolls, and parking when using your personal car for medical transportation.

Make sure to keep documentation such as receipts, appointment confirmations, and other records to support your deduction. It’s important to note that only the portion of the mileage related to medical treatment is eligible for deduction, and you cannot deduct mileage for general transportation.

By keeping detailed documentation and understanding the standard mileage rate for medical expenses, you can accurately calculate and deduct your medical transportation expenses on your tax return.

Medical care expenses that cannot be covered

You may not be able to cover certain types of medical care expenses through your healthcare plan. These expenses typically include those that are merely beneficial to general health, such as vitamins or vacations. Unless it’s a prescribed drug, you cannot deduct costs for nicotine gum or nicotine patches.

Additionally, specific criteria for medical expenses that cannot be included are expenses for individuals who do not meet the qualifications as a dependent or do not meet the income or filing status requirements. This means that if the person for whom the medical expense is being incurred does not meet the necessary criteria, the expenses may not be covered.

It’s important to note that non-covered medical expenses, also known as ineligible expenses, are those that do not meet the specific criteria for exclusion, such as dependent qualifications and income and filing status requirements.

Be sure to carefully review the terms and conditions of your healthcare plan to understand which medical expenses may not be covered. For instance, a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) comes with expenses you cannot deduct on your federal income tax return. Those are employer-funded health plans where you’d get reimbursed for health costs. One perk of an HRA is that your unused amounts could be carried forward to the next year.

What Dental Expenses Can I Deduct?

You have a variety of dental expenses deductions available for your taxes, potentially reducing your overall tax liability. Your dental expense deductions include payments for dental visits, treatments, surgeries, and preventative care and costs of equipment such as cleanings and X-rays. Additionally, the amounts paid for dental insurance premiums can also be deductible.

Specifically, you can deduct expenses for a wide range of dental treatments, including fillings, crowns, braces, dentures, and even dental implants. Any out-of-pocket expenses for prescription medications related to dental treatments may also be eligible for the deduction.

However, it’s important to note that only the portion of your dental expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income can be deducted. Keep track of all your dental-related expenses throughout the year, including receipts and insurance premium statements, to ensure you have accurate records come tax time. By being aware of the deductible dental expenses, you can potentially save money on your taxes and make the most of your dental care investments.

When You Can Deduct Insurance Premiums with the Medical Expense Deduction

You can deduct insurance premiums in certain circumstances, such as if you are self-employed or if your employer makes contributions to your insurance premiums. There are also limitations based on your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), so it’s important to consider these factors when determining if your insurance premiums are deductible.

The types of insurance premiums that are typically deductible include medical and dental coverage for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents. This means that if you pay for health insurance out of your own pocket, you may be able to deduct those premiums from your taxes.

However, there are limitations and qualifications for deducting insurance premiums based on your specific circumstances and expenses. For example, if you are self-employed, you can generally deduct 100% of your health insurance premiums. But if you have employer-sponsored coverage, the deduction may be limited based on your AGI.

What Publication 502 Says About Flexible Health Savings Accounts

You can find the rules and guidelines for reimbursable expenses from a health flexible spending account (FSA) in Publication 502, which follows the IRS definition of medical expenses. According to the publication, eligible expenses include medical services, prescription medications, medical equipment, and transportation for medical care on a tax-favored basis.

Additionally, Publication 502 allows for reimbursement of expenses related to dental care, vision care, and mental health services.

However, there are certain expenses that cannot be reimbursed from a health FSA, such as over-the-counter medications (unless prescribed by a doctor), cosmetic procedures, and general health items like vitamins or supplements. The publication also details specific examples of reimbursable and non-reimbursable expenses to provide a clear understanding of what qualifies as a medical expense under IRS regulations.

RELATED: Tax Breaks for Education Costs

An Overview of IRS Publication 502, Medical and Dental Expenses

If you’re looking for guidance on claiming medical and dental expenses as itemized deductions on your taxes, IRS Publication 502 is your go-to resource. This publication provides detailed information about the types of medical and dental expenses that can be claimed on Schedule A of Form 1040.

You’ll find a comprehensive list of eligible expenses, such as doctor’s visits, prescription medications, and even certain travel costs for medical reasons. It’s important to understand which expenses qualify for the deduction, as well as any limitations or restrictions.

Additionally, IRS Publication 502 outlines the eligibility of various expenses for reimbursement from a health flexible spending account (FSA). This can help you better understand how to maximize the benefits of your FSA and ensure that you’re taking advantage of all eligible medical and dental expenses.

So, whether you’re preparing your taxes or planning your healthcare spending, IRS Publication 502 is a valuable resource for understanding the ins and outs of medical and dental expenses. Check it out to make sure you’re getting the most out of your deductions and reimbursements.

What Exactly Is the Health Coverage Tax Credit?

The Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC) is a program designed to help you afford health insurance if you are eligible.

To qualify for the HCTC, you must be receiving Trade Adjustment Assistance, Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance, or Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation payments due to being at least 55 years old and receiving benefits from the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. The HCTC helps you pay for qualified health insurance premiums, including COBRA continuation coverage, and can also cover some out-of-pocket medical expenses for licensed health care practitioners. This credit can make a significant difference in your ability to afford necessary healthcare coverage.

To apply for the HCTC, you will need to fill out Form 8885 and submit it with your tax return.

If you are eligible for the HCTC, don’t miss out on the opportunity to get assistance with your health coverage costs.

What Does IRS Publication 502 Say About the Dependent Care Tax Credit?

To be eligible for the credit for child and dependent care, you must have incurred expenses for the care of your dependent while you work or look for work. Eligible expenses include daycare, babysitting, and other similar services. However, expenses for overnight camps, school tuition, and transportation costs are not eligible.

To claim the Dependent Care Tax Credit, you must meet specific requirements and limitations outlined in IRS Publication 502. These include providing the care provider’s name, address, and taxpayer identification number, as well as limitations based on your filing status and income.

By understanding the eligibility criteria and eligible medical services outlined in the latest version of Publication 502, you can ensure you are maximizing your tax savings for your dependent care expenses. Be sure to keep accurate records of your expenses and consult with a tax professional to make the most of the Dependent Care Tax Credit and reduce your tax burden.

What Does It Mean to Itemize Deductions on Schedule A?

When it comes to filing your taxes, you have the option to either take the standard deduction or to itemize your deductions using Schedule A on your 1040. Itemizing means listing out all of your eligible expenses, such as mortgage interest, property taxes, and charitable contributions, and totaling them up to see if they exceed the standard deduction. If the total of these expenses is greater than the standard deduction for your filing status, then it makes sense for you to use Schedule A to itemize these deductions on your tax return.

By itemizing your deductions and using Schedule A, you can potentially lower your taxable income and therefore reduce the amount of taxes you owe. It’s important to keep track of all eligible expenses and have documentation to support them in case of an audit.

For more information, see IRS Publication 502 (Medical and Dental Expenses).

What Goes on the Self-Employed Health Insurance Deduction Worksheet?

When filling out the Self-Employed Health Insurance Deduction Worksheet, you’ll need to list the insurance premiums you pay for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents. Remember that as a self-employed taxpayer, these premiums are not subject to the 7.5 percent AGI limitation, so be sure to include them for the full deduction.

In addition to your insurance premiums, you can also include any other eligible medical and dental expenses you have paid that are not covered by insurance on the worksheet. This could include things like doctor’s visits, medications, and necessary dental work. Be sure to gather all the receipts and documentation for medical services to accurately calculate your total deduction for the year.

By carefully documenting and reporting your self-employed health insurance premiums and other medical expenses, you can maximize your deduction and potentially lower your taxable income. Take the time to accurately complete the Self-Employed Health Insurance Deduction Worksheet to ensure you are taking full advantage of the tax benefits available to self-employed individuals.