Medical expenses dedutions

kareymd · ‎June 4, 2019

I had two root canals and crowns done in 2016. One I paid out of pocket for and the other I am paying off with use of Care Credit. Can I add my expenses to my return? Will I get more money back if I do?

MichaelMc · ‎June 4, 2019

The cost of dental care, including root canals and crowns, would be included as deductible medical expenses on Schedule A, Itemized Deductions. You may claim expenses paid during 2016; paid includes paid by cash or check, charged to a credit card, or paid with borrowed funds, such as Care Credit. As to whether those expenses will change your refund, that is a more complex question.

First, you can only claim as itemized deductions the amount of medical expenses that exceed 10% (7.5% if you are over age 65) of Adjusted Gross Income.

Second, your total itemized deductions (medical, real estate taxes, state and local taxes, mortgage interest, etc.) will only reduce your taxable income if they exceed the standard deduction ($12,600 Married Filing Jointly, $9,300 Head of Household, $6,300 Single or Married Filing Separately).

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MichaelMc · ‎June 4, 2019

The cost of dental care, including root canals and crowns, would be included as deductible medical expenses on Schedule A, Itemized Deductions. You may claim expenses paid during 2016; paid includes paid by cash or check, charged to a credit card, or paid with borrowed funds, such as Care Credit. As to whether those expenses will change your refund, that is a more complex question.

First, you can only claim as itemized deductions the amount of medical expenses that exceed 10% (7.5% if you are over age 65) of Adjusted Gross Income.

Second, your total itemized deductions (medical, real estate taxes, state and local taxes, mortgage interest, etc.) will only reduce your taxable income if they exceed the standard deduction ($12,600 Married Filing Jointly, $9,300 Head of Household, $6,300 Single or Married Filing Separately).