Only the costs that can be categorized as medical care can be entered as medical expenses -- and only the amount you paid for that in 2025 can be entered on a 2025 tax return. You cannot enter payments made in 2026 on a 2025 tax return. The retirement facility should be able to provide you with a breakdown of the costs that can be entered as medical expenses---they have certainly been asked for this before. Amounts that pay for rent, food, etc. are not deductible.
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 2025—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
2025 STANDARD DEDUCTION AMOUNTS
SINGLE $15,750 (65 or older/legally blind + $2000)
MARRIED FILING SEPARATELY $15,750 (65 or older/legally blind +1600)
MARRIED FILING JOINTLY $31,500 (65 or older/legally blind + $1600)
HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD $23,625 (65 or older/legally blind + $2000)
**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.**
