My mom died in 2022. I paid her medical bills in 2023. Can I claim those bills?

[Anonymous_]

I paid her medical bills in 2023. Can I claim those bills?

I am sorry for your loss but, no, you cannot deduct the medical expenses you paid in 2023.

Medical expenses of the decedent paid by the estate may be deductible on the decedent's income tax return for the year incurred. 

[Mike9241]

So sorry for your loss

From IRS PUB 502

Decedent
Medical expenses paid before death by the decedent are
included in figuring any deduction for medical and dental
expenses on the decedent's final income tax return. This
includes expenses for the decedent's spouse and dependents
as well as for the decedent.
The survivor or personal representative of a decedent
can choose to treat certain expenses paid by the decedent's
estate for the decedent's medical care as paid by
the decedent at the time the medical services were provided.
The expenses must be paid within the 1-year period
beginning with the day after the date of death. If you are
the survivor or personal representative making this
choice, you must attach a statement to the decedent's
Form 1040 or 1040-SR (or the decedent's amended return,
Form 1040-X) saying that the expenses haven't been
and won't be claimed on the estate tax return

if you paid them you have a claim against her estate

or if you can claim your mother as a dependent then you can deduct them on your return on schedule A as medical expenses..  (also in PUB 502)

there is only a tax benefit on your 1040 for medical expenses if they exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income and you can itemize. 

[dmertz]

The deadline for making a claim against the estate depends on state law, but has almost certainly passed by now.

Mother can't be a dependent on a 2023 tax return if she died in 2022.