Should I file long form if my medical expenses were $5-6000 and my income was roughly $19000 from SSA and $15000 from working?

[DoninGA · Accepted solution]

If your medical expenses and other itemized deductions are not greater than the standard deduction for your filing status there is no benefit in reporting those expenses.

Health care insurance premiums and other medical expenses that you paid with out of pocket funds are an eligible medical expense that you can deduct using Schedule A for itemized deductions.  However, only your total medical expenses that are greater than 10% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) can be deducted if you are under age 65.  If you are age 65 or older the AGI limit is 7.5%.  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 2016 

• Single - $6,300 add $1,550 if age 65 or older
• Married Filing Separately - $6,300 add $1,250 if age 65 or older
• Married Filing Jointly - $12,600 add $1,250 for each spouse age 65 or older
• Head of Household - $9,300 add $1,550 if age 65 or older