Deductions & credits

I assume that you mean pre-pay for the expenses in 2017 for a procedure to be performed in 2018.  

Yes you can pay for a medical expense in 2017 for a procedure in 2018 and report the amount paid with out of pocket funds as an itemized medical deduction on the 2017 Form 1040 Schedule A.   However, only your total medical expenses that are greater than 10% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) can be deducted.  Your total itemized deductions reported on Form 1040 Schedule A must be greater than the standard deduction for your filing status to have any tax benefit.

Standard deductions for 2017 

  • Single - $6,350 add $1,550 if age 65 or older
  • Married Filing Separately - $6,350 add $1,250 if age 65 or older
  • Married Filing Jointly - $12,700 add $1,250 for each spouse age 65 or older
  • Head of Household - $9,350 add $1,550 if age 65 or older