Medical Deductions – What can be Deducted?
We get this question frequently. Clients and friends are unsure what medical costs are deductible.
In short deductible medical expenses are the costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease, and the costs for treatments affecting any part or function of the body. These can include:
- Insurance Premiums – health, dental, vision, long-term care, Medicare, Medi-gap and supplemental insurance.
- Medicine prescribed by your provider. Non-prescription items are not deductible.
- Co-Pays for medical care
- Nursing Care
- Diagnostic tests and procedures
- Certain Supplies and Equipment
- Transportation to and from medical care, parking and a portion of hotel costs
- Modifications to your primary residence may apply as well
Medical Expenses for dependents are also deductible. A person may qualify as a dependent for medical care even if they are not a dependent for income tax purposes.
Medical expenses for a decedent are claimed on the final personal return for the decedent. The cost must have been paid for during their life, or paid for by their Estate within a year after the death.
As you have questions about any of this and the associated recordkeeping, you can review the tax guide in the downloads section of the web site or contact us directly.
Marion Thompson
Ian Valdivia
Office – 301-869-8898
Thompson Tax Associates, Inc.
