Medical expenses can be entered as a deduction in the year in which you PAY the medical bill. You say the surgery will cost $40K-----is any of that being covered by insurance? You can only use the amount that you pay out of pocket---not any amount covered by health insurance.
MEDICAL EXPENSES
The medical expense deduction has to meet a rather large threshold before it can affect your return. The amount of medical (including dental, vision, etc.) expenses that will count toward itemization is the amount that is OVER 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. You should only enter the amount that you paid in 2023—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
2023 STANDARD DEDUCTION AMOUNTS
SINGLE $13,850 (65 or older/legally blind + $1850)
MARRIED FILING SEPARATELY $12,850 (65 or older/legally blind + $1500)
MARRIED FILING JOINTLY $27,700 (65+/legally blind) ) + $1500 per spouse
HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD $20,800 (65 or older/blind) + $1850)
**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
