Medical Expenses

[pt019493]

We have a 46 year old son (living with us) who had about $15,000 in dental expenses in 2019, the sum of which I paid for. Can I or he list this as part of our medical expenses allowing us  to get a larger refund?

Thanks

[HelenC12]

If he is your dependent and the $15,000 was paid out of pocket, yes, you can deduct it on your income tax return.

• You may be able to deduct expenses you paid that year for medical and dental care for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents.
• You may deduct only the amount of your total medical expenses that exceed 10% of your adjusted gross income.
• Additional information: Can I deduct medical, dental, and vision expenses in 2019?

Related Information:

• What kinds of medical expenses are deductible?
• Where do I enter my medical expenses?
• Can I deduct medical, dental, and vision expenses in 2019?
• Why doesn't my refund change after I enter my medical expenses?

[Hal_Al]

If he is not your dependent, he may deduct it, taking the attitude that you paying it is actually a gift to home and he has effectively paid it.

There is one other possibility ( a special rule),. If your son (or other close relative) cannot be your dependent because he had more than $4,200 of gross income, but otherwise would have qualified as your dependent (basically that you &/or other family members provided more than half his support), then you can include in your deductible medical expenses any qualifying medical expenses you paid on his/her behalf just as if he was your dependent.