For many people, unreimbursed medical bills and other health care costs are a significant expense, especially as they get older. Fortunately, many of these expenses may be tax-deductible if you itemize deductions, and some available write-offs may surprise you. To offset the cost of health care, familiarize yourself with the types of expenses that are deductible and be sure to document them with receipts or other records.
If you itemize deductions on your income tax return, you're permitted to deduct a variety of medical and dental expenses for yourself, your spouse and your dependents. But there's a catch: You can deduct them only to the extent the total exceeds 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI). For example, if your AGI is $200,000, you may claim up to $15,000 in medical and dental expenses ($200,000 x 7.5%). So if you have $20,000 in eligible expenses, you may claim a $5,000 deduction ($20,000 – $15,000).
Keep in mind that the deduction is limited to unreimbursed expenses. You must reduce your total deductible expenses by any reimbursements from insurance or other sources, regardless of whether you receive the reimbursement directly or it's paid on your behalf to a medical provider.
Don't automatically assume that your expenses aren't high enough to generate tax deductions. In addition to traditional doctor and hospital bills and prescription drugs, there are many deductible expenses that are easily overlooked, and the costs can add up quickly.
Examples include payments for:
You can also claim transportation expenses essential to obtaining eligible medical care. This may include the cost of a taxi, bus, train or ambulance, as well as personal vehicle costs.
If you're self-employed, you're entitled to deduct 100% of the health insurance premiums you pay for yourself, your spouse, your dependents and your nondependent children under age 27, regardless of whether you itemize. (The deductible amount may be limited depending on the taxable income of the business.) You can even deduct premiums you pay for Medicare Part B, Medicare Part D or a medigap policy, if you continue to run your business after you qualify for Medicare.
However, there's one important caveat: You can't claim the self-employed health insurance deduction if you're eligible to participate in a subsidized health plan offered by an employer of you or a family member.
If you're self-employed and eligible for the 20% qualified business income (QBI) deduction, also weigh the potential benefits of the self-employed health insurance deduction against any resulting reduction in the QBI deduction. Depending on your particular circumstances, it may be preferable to claim insurance premiums as an itemized deduction to preserve a larger QBI deduction.
Before dismissing the idea that you would benefit from health care expense deductions, contact your tax advisor. Together, you can work through the details and see how your expenses stack up against your AGI.
Get in touch today and find out how we can help you meet your objectives.
