Are you expecting to incur some medical expenses this year? If so, you may be able to claim a tax deduction for them. Medical expenses are a big financial burden, so it’s no surprise that many taxpayers try to claim a deduction for them. Unfortunately, not everyone is aware of the guidelines for claiming a medical expenses tax deduction.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the qualifications for this tax deduction and provide some practical tips on how to claim it. So, if you’re looking to deduct your medical expenses on your next tax return, read on!
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Are Medical Expenses Tax Deductible?
Medical expenses are costly, but there is some good news—they may be tax-deductible. The deduction is available for a wide range of medical expenses, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and more.
To claim the deduction, you’ll need to itemize your deductions on your tax return. This means claiming the standard deduction is not an option. The medical expenses must also exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI). So, if your AGI is $50,000, you can deduct medical expenses that exceed $3,750.
If you’re eligible for the deduction, it can save you a significant amount of money come tax time. However, it’s important to know the details of how the deduction works before claiming it. Here’s what you need to know about the medical expenses tax deduction.
Medical Expenses That Qualify
The deduction is available for a wide range of medical expenses, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and more. If you’re wondering whether a particular expense qualifies, the IRS has a helpful list of eligible and ineligible expenses. Some of the more common deductible expenses include:
- Doctor appointments
- Treatments
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy
- Surgeries and other medical procedures
- Home health care
- Long-term care
In general, any expense that’s considered necessary for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, and prevention of disease is eligible.
Medical Expenses Tax Deduction: Ineligible Expenses
It’s important to note that not all medical expenses are deductible. For example, cosmetic procedures, such as Botox injections and breast implants, do not qualify. Nor do over-the-counter medications, unless they are prescribed by a doctor. Other ineligible expenses include:
- Acupuncture
- Teeth whitening
- Weight loss programs (unless they are medically necessary)
- Hair transplants
- Funeral expenses
To be sure an expense is eligible, check with the IRS or a tax professional before claiming the deduction. If you need help with paying medicals bills, follow the highlighted link to learn more about patient financial assistance.
Tax Deductions: How to Take Advantage of Medical Tax Breaks
Medical expenses tax deduction comes in handy. This valuable tax break can help you save money on your out-of-pocket healthcare costs, including premiums, co-pays, and deductibles. So, if you’re struggling to pay your medical bills, be sure to explore this option.
You may be able to get a sizable refund that will help ease the financial burden of your healthcare expenses.
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