Im filing an amend return for a w2 i forgot about. I just learned that prescriptions are deductable. Can i go back previous years and use my past prescriptions?

[sheilab256]

If i can file previous year how far can i go back?

[xmasbaby0 · Accepted solution]

You can amend tax returns as far back as 2013 in order to get a refund.  The medical expenses deduction is very tough to get, so look carefully at the amounts you would add to help you determine whether it would be worthwhile to amend in order to include prescriptions.

The medical expense deduction has to meet a rather large threshold before it can affect your return. The amount of medical expenses that will count toward itemization for someone under 65 is the amount that is OVER 10% of your adjusted gross income; for someone 65 or older it would be the amount over 7.5% of your AGI.  

You should only enter the amount that you paid in 2016—do not include any amounts that were covered by insurance or that are still outstanding.  Of course, your medical expenses plus your other itemized deductions still have to exceed your standard deduction before you will see a difference in your tax due or refund.

To enter your medical expenses go to Federal>Deductions and Credits>Medical>Medical Expenses