Medical expenses

[user17677391612]

what does it mean that medical expenses are NOT COVERED in basic?

[VolvoGirl]

You have the Desktop Basic version?  Where did you get it?  For what year?  They aren’t selling Basic for 2025.   If you have the Online browser version the Free Edition and Basic do not have deductions like medical.   

[Opus 17]

Schedule A itemized deductions like medical expenses, mortgage interest, and gifts to charity are not supported in the Free or Basic versions.  If you need those deductions, you must pay for a higher level of Turbotax.  Before you upgrade, make sure you really need those deductions.  If your standard deduction is larger than your itemized deduction, you won't benefit from listing medical expenses. 

[xmasbaby0]

The other reality you need to understand about trying to use medical expenses is that a deduction for medical expenses is one of the most difficult to get.

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 2025—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

2025 STANDARD DEDUCTION AMOUNTS

SINGLE $15,750  (65 or older/legally blind + $2000)

MARRIED FILING SEPARATELY $15,750  (65 or older/legally blind +1600)

MARRIED FILING JOINTLY $31,500  (65 or older/legally blind + $1600)

HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD $23,625 (65 or older/legally blind + $2000)