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Medical and dental expenses can be deducted as itemized deductions on your tax return if they exceed a certain percentage of your adjusted gross income (AGI). Understanding the rules and limitations helps taxpayers maximize their deductions legally and accurately.
Qualifying Medical and Dental Expenses
Expenses must be primarily for the prevention or alleviation of a physical or mental condition. Qualified expenses include payments for doctor visits, hospital care, dental treatments, prescription medications, and certain insurance premiums.
Deduction Thresholds and Limitations
For the tax year, only the amount of total medical expenses that exceeds 7.5% of your AGI can be deducted. This means if your AGI is $50,000, you can only deduct expenses over $3,750.
Documentation and Recordkeeping
Keep detailed records of all medical and dental expenses, including receipts, bills, and insurance statements. Proper documentation is essential in case of an audit and to substantiate your deductions.
Limitations and Exceptions
Some expenses are not deductible, such as cosmetic procedures or expenses reimbursed by insurance. Additionally, certain expenses like over-the-counter medications are generally not deductible unless prescribed by a doctor.