I had medical expenses of 39060 but was only allowed to deduct 36329. This is the first year I was not allowed to deduct the full medical expense amount. Why is that?

Total medical expenses greater than 7.5% of your AGI can be deducted. 

 

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 2021—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

 

 

2021 STANDARD DEDUCTION AMOUNTS

 

SINGLE $12,550  (65 or older + $1700)

 

MARRIED FILING SEPARATELY $12,550  (65 or older + $1350)

 

MARRIED FILING JOINTLY $25,100  (65 or older + $1350 per spouse)

 

HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD  $18,800  (65 or older +$1700)

 

Legally Blind + $1350

 

 

 

Check your prior returns schedule A.  It should have always been reduced by a Percentage of your AGI, like 7.5 or 10%.  Or you took the Standard Deduction.  

review Schedule A lines 1 through 4 to see the calculation. your adjusted gross income on form 1040 line 11 was likely $36,413