Whose Medical Expenses Can I Deduct on My Return?

You may be able to deduct qualifying medical and dental expenses you paid during the tax year for:

• Yourself and your spouse.
• Any dependents you claim on your tax return.
• Your child who is not claimed as your dependent because of the special rules for children of divorced or separated parents.
• Any person you could have claimed as a dependent except that:
  • They had gross income above the annual dependency income limit, or
  • They filed a joint return with a spouse.
• Any person you could have claimed as a dependent except that you, or your spouse if filing jointly, could be claimed as a dependent on someone else's return.

Keep in mind that only qualifying medical and dental expenses are eligible. The IRS also limits medical expense deductions to the amount that exceeds a percentage of your adjusted gross income (AGI).

Where Do I Enter Medical Expenses?

If you paid qualifying medical or dental expenses during the tax year and plan to itemize your deductions, enter them in the program by following these steps:

1. Select Federal.
2. Go to Deductions (Select my forms).
3. Choose Itemized Deductions.
4. Select Medical, Dental, and Vision Expenses.
5. Enter your eligible out-of-pocket medical expenses.

Entering your medical expenses helps determine whether itemizing deductions provides a larger tax benefit than taking the standard deduction. The software will calculate the best option based on your information.

Common Medical Expenses That May Qualify

Examples of potentially deductible expenses include:

• Doctor, dentist, and specialist visits
• Hospital care and surgery
• Prescription medications
• Health insurance premiums (in certain situations)
• Eyeglasses and contact lenses
• Medical equipment and supplies
• Mileage driven for qualified medical care

Be sure to keep records, receipts, and documentation for any expenses you claim in case the IRS requests verification.