If you file your taxes using itemized deductions, you may be able to deduct medical and dental expenses for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents. According to the IRS, you may deduct only the amount of your total medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income.
Some types of medical care expenses that may be deductible include:
- Payments for the diagnosis, cure, treatment, and prevention of a disease.
- Payments to doctors, dentists, surgeons, chiropractors, psychiatrists, psychologists, and nontraditional medical practitioners.
- Paying for inpatient hospital care or nursing home care.
- Fees associated with inpatient treatment for alcohol or drug addiction.
- Payments to participate in a weight-loss program for a specific disease diagnosed by a doctor (such as obesity).
* This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional.
Tip adapted from IRS.gov7
Footnotes and Sources
- IRS.gov, February 17, 2021
