topic Should I claim medical expenses if I was charged for them in 2022 but did not completely pay for them in 2022? in Deductions & credits

Should I claim medical expenses if I was charged for them in 2022 but did not completely pay for them in 2022?

carolynamo — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 10:57:22 GMT

I had surgery in November 2022 so I have medical bills from that, but I only paid off small portion of them in 2022. I will pay the rest over the next 2 years

Re: Should I claim medical expenses if I was charged for them in 2022 but did not completely pay for them in 2022?

ee-ea — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 02:48:02 GMT

You can deduct as you pay the bills. For more info see this IRS pub https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p502.pdf

Re: Should I claim medical expenses if I was charged for them in 2022 but did not completely pay for them in 2022?

VolvoGirl — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 03:01:05 GMT

Only what you actually paid during the year. Medical is deductible the year when you pay it. If paid by check, it would be when you gave the provider a check. You can only deduct the payments you made but not any interest.

If by credit card, it would be when the charge was made. Putting it on your credit card is the same as paying it. You can deduct the full amount. But you can't deduct any interest or penalties you paid on it.

If you put it on a credit card or took out a loan you can deduct the full amount even though you pay it over time. If you are on a payment plan with the hospital or doctor, etc. then it's only the amount you pay. Either way you only can deduct the principal amount, not any interest.