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Level 3
posted Jan 26, 2021 8:49:07 PM

I have m ore than $11,000 in medical expenses. I checked YES but still unable to enter medical expenses. I am not a happy camper.

0 30 1623
24 Replies
Level 15
Jan 27, 2021 8:15:50 AM

Try using a different internet browser.

Level 3
Jan 27, 2021 3:03:36 PM

1) We are not in the Dark Ages of the web anymore. Any company that markets a web-based product must verify the product against the 4 major web browsers and made sure that the product works the same and correctly on all 4 browsers.
2) I'm not using the web product, I have the DVD version
3) Thank you for playing, you may pick up your consolation prize at the door.

 

This is a failure of the software implementation not the browser. Somewhere in the code, a flag has not been set or unset to allow entry of medical expenses.

Level 3
Mar 21, 2021 3:16:33 PM

In three months no one has a better answer than try another browser? Not a very informative group. Time to complain to corporate about poor software.

Level 15
Mar 21, 2021 3:21:29 PM


@murphey wrote:

In three months no one has a better answer than try another browser? Not a very informative group. Time to complain to corporate about poor software.


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 7.5% 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 2020

  • Single - $12,400 add $1,650 if age 65 or older
  • Married Filing Separately - $12,400 add $1,300 if age 65 or older
  • Married Filing Jointly - $24,800 add $1,300 for each spouse age 65 or older
  • Head of Household - $18,650 add $1,650 if age 65 or older

To enter your medical expenses -

  • Click on Federal Taxes (Personal using Home and Business)
  • Click on Deductions and Credits
  • Click on I'll choose what I work on (if shown)
  • Scroll down to Medical
  • On Medical Expenses, click the start or update button

Or enter medical expenses, sch a in the Search box located in the upper right of the program screen. Click on Jump to medical expenses, sch a

Level 15
Mar 21, 2021 3:35:32 PM

Exactly what problem are you having?

 

It is under "Deductions ans Credits".

 

 

 

Level 3
Mar 21, 2021 4:17:18 PM

Once again I will explain, since it appears no one read the original question.

1) I know IRS rules, this is NOT an IRS issue.

2) The problem is the SOFTWWARE!

 

All fields on medical expenses past the HSA page are greyed out on Easy Step and locked (unable to enter anything) on Schedule A and the related worksheets.

 

This is a SOFTWARE problem for Intuit to fix, not an IRS rules question.

 

And as a side note, I really don't care about badges or the number of messages I've read or responded to. This is not an entertainment site (or shouldn't be).

Level 3
Mar 21, 2021 4:20:57 PM

And let me add that the amount of medical expenses is irrelevant. The state of Colorado does not have a minimum limit before the expenses are applied. The first $1 of medical expenses are applicable on Colorado state taxes, hence the need for this to be fixed.

 

Looks like H&R Block is going to get more money when I buy a copy for this year.

 

And I hate the "badges". This is not a contest, this is not summer camp. This is a business.

Level 3
Mar 21, 2021 4:22:17 PM

And one more....with H&R Block I don't have to keep updating the operating system every year. Nor do I have the hassle of the password/key problem.

Level 15
Mar 21, 2021 4:25:46 PM


@murphey wrote:

Once again I will explain, since it appears no one read the original question.

1) I know IRS rules, this is NOT an IRS issue.

2) The problem is the SOFTWWARE!

 

All fields on medical expenses past the HSA page are greyed out on Easy Step and locked (unable to enter anything) on Schedule A and the related worksheets.

 

This is a SOFTWARE problem for Intuit to fix, not an IRS rules question.

 

And as a side note, I really don't care about badges or the number of messages I've read or responded to. This is not an entertainment site (or shouldn't be).


This was the original question - 

I have m ore than $11,000 in medical expenses. I checked YES but still unable to enter medical expenses. I am not a happy camper.

Now you have entered that you are having problems past the HSA page.  Since you are seeing blank pages, try this -

 

Save the tax return and close the TurboTax program.  If you are using Windows -

Right click on the TurboTax icon

Click on Properties

Click on the Compatibility tab

Check the box Run this program as an administrator

Click on Apply and OK

Start the TurboTax program and see if the problem persists.

Level 15
Mar 21, 2021 4:28:45 PM

I see nothing about "grayed out" in the question.

 

Are you using the Mac or Windows version on installed on your computer.

 

Exactly what is the name of the screen (on top of the screen) that is "grayed out"?

 

Are you entering in the Federal interview or state interview?   (Medical expenses can only be entered the Federal interview then they will carry into the state.)

 

 

 

Level 3
Mar 21, 2021 5:30:21 PM

Not running Windows - Mac on the OS required by Intuit.

The application is always closed after I work on it.

 

Thank you for playing.

Level 15
Mar 21, 2021 5:41:37 PM


@murphey wrote:

Not running Windows - Mac on the OS required by Intuit.

The application is always closed after I work on it.

 


Always closed?    What do you mean - "closed"?  

Exactly what happens?

Level 3
Mar 21, 2021 8:46:22 PM

"

Save the tax return and close the TurboTax program.

"

 

If you need to ask what "closed" means, thank you for playing.

Level 15
Mar 21, 2021 8:57:26 PM


@murphey wrote:

"

Save the tax return and close the TurboTax program.

"

 

If you need to ask what "closed" means, thank you for playing.


You are not making sense or giving any information  so that anyone can help understand  the problem.

 

And insults do not help.

 

When you "quit" TurboTax it will ask to save it. What is the problem? 

If you want help explain in detail.  Exactly what are you doing and what is the problem?

 

 

 

 

Level 3
Mar 23, 2021 3:03:24 PM

 

Note the field "Prescription Expenses". It is greyed out, not possible to enter any value. Nor is it possible to enter a value in the corresponding field on Schedule A. Every field on all Medical pages is the same - greyed out, unable to enter a value.

Level 3
Mar 23, 2021 3:07:20 PM

Mac OS 13.15.6

DVD version of TurboTax 2020 Deluxe

All medical pages (Easy Step), all medical fields on Schedule A

Unable to enter ANY information in any field either on Easy Step or on Schedule A.

What other data can I provide?

 

Level 15
Mar 23, 2021 3:29:06 PM

That means that there is a supporting information worksheet attached to the data field.

 

It is handy if you want to keep records of a list of prescriptions and only put the total on the form.

 

Double click on the box to open it or just select the box and use the Top menu bar -> Edit -> Supporting Information.  (The "command" key and "y" key also opens the box).   Sometimes they get created in error by pressing the wrong key.

 

You can then either use the worksheet or delete it.

Level 3
Mar 23, 2021 3:38:36 PM

Thank you.

 

Now I ask why is this information not obvious in the directions in the software? Again, poor software design or rather, poor user interface design.

Level 15
Mar 23, 2021 3:50:23 PM

Supporting details have always been in the desktop software.

 

There are many features and short-cut keys listed  in the top menu bar.

 

TurboTax does not have a "users manual".

Level 1
Mar 27, 2021 5:13:58 PM

I have the same problem. I went into view forms and then selected schedule A. For example under prescriptions I had to click the + sign by the box. After I entered what pharmacy name and entered my total prescriptions (luckily) I get them all in one place, I could enter in the total which then fed to line 1 on schedule A. Same for the fees for Dr and dentists. Click on the + sign and the form wants you to fill in the various dr's and amounts. Again then this amount will fill to line 3. I don't recall having to do this in previous years. Hope this helps.  

Level 1
Mar 27, 2021 5:23:50 PM

Forgot to mention I went to the Medical Expenses worksheet for schedule A

Level 15
Mar 27, 2021 5:46:52 PM

The downloaded version has many functions that are hidden ... there really should be a user's guide or tutorial ...

 

This is my mini version of  a tutorial  that should be in the downloaded program: 

 

What is Forms Mode?

Forms Mode lets you view and make changes to your tax forms "behind the scenes."

If you're adventurous, you can even prepare your return in Forms Mode, but we don't recommend it. You may miss obscure credits and deductions you qualify for, and you may forget to report things that will come back and haunt you later.

Forms Mode is exclusively available in the TurboTax CD/Download software. It is not available in TurboTax Online.

                  

Related Information:

                             

If you want to play around with different figures and tax scenarios without affecting your original return you can ….

  • >>>In the TurboTax CD/Download software by creating a test copy
  • 1.  Open your return in TurboTax. 
  • 2.  From the File menu, choose Save As. 
  • 3.  Give the copy a new name to distinguish it from the original (for example, by adding "Test" or "Example" to the file name). 
  • 4. Click  Save. You are now safely working in the test copy and anything you do here will not affect the original. 
  •  https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900642-how-to-make-a-test-copy-of-your-return

                                            

  • >>  use the WHAT IF tool: 
  • - Click Forms Icon (upper right of screen) or Ctrl 2 (forms view) 
  • - Click on the Open Form Icon 
  • - In the “Type a form name.” area type What-If (with the dash), click on the name of the worksheet - click on Open Form 
  • - You will see the worksheet on the right side of the screen; enter the information right into the form 
  • - To get back to interview mode - click on the Step-by-Step Icon (upper right of screen) or Ctrl 1

                

 

It's always a good idea to make a backup copy of your tax data file, in case your original gets lost or corrupted. Here's how:

  1. From the File menu in the upper-left corner of TurboTax, choose Save As (Windows) or Save (Mac).
  2. Browse to where you want to save your backup.
    • Tip: If you're saving to a portable device, save it to your computer first to prevent data corruption. Then, after completing Step 4, copy or move the backup file to your device.
  3. In the File name field, enter a name that will distinguish it from the original tax file (for example, add "Backup" or "Copy" to the file name)
  4. Click Save and then close TurboTax.
  5. Restart TurboTax and open the backup copy to make sure it's not corrupted. If you get an error, delete the backup and repeat these steps.

If you make changes to your original tax return file, repeat these steps to ensure your original and backup copies are in-synch.

Related Information:                             

 

AND save it as a PDF so you have access to a copy even if you don’t have the program still installed and operational :

AND protect the files :

 

Always remember to shut off the auto update function once you have filed your returns and do not do any updates unless you have safeguarded the PDF & .taxfiles to a removable storage unit for safekeeping.  Click on ONLINE then Update Preferences.... don't be afraid to click on all the  menu headings to find all the goodies that are hiding. 

 

 

Level 15
Mar 27, 2021 5:47:43 PM

New Member
Apr 4, 2021 6:59:19 PM

So I am working with the CD version of the Home & Business Turbotax and when I click on the Medical expenses section to update the information I get a blank white page. I had the same thing happen when I needed to enter the Estimated Taxes I paid in 2020. I know from experience that I can switch to the Forms Mode to enter information, but I find it rather odd that my screen is blank white....zip...zilch...nada

 

When I look in the Forms Mode I see a section about entering prescription medications but I don't see the question about OTC medications that I paid for (these are meds that used to be prescription but now are OTC).  Any suggestions on how the Step by Step questionaire can be accessed? I tried going up to the Edit button to see if I can access it that way and no luck.