I paid COBRA in 2016 & 2017 but only recently found out it may be deductible for my 2017 taxes. How do I make adjustments for the COBRA payments I did not claim in 2016?

[SoCal-Guy-in-CA]

I downloaded the two files to amend my 2016 returns after realizing I forgot to include $8,000 in COBRA payments. I wanted to see if it would cause me to receive a larger refund for that year. When the final amended returns were completed the exact same figures appeared in the two columns that show the figures in the original returns and the amended return as if I made no changes (despite actually making changes). When I tried going through the entire process again, even after uninstalling and re-installing the software five times, it won't work. Does the software limit a user to a one time amendment? I've tried everything. I'm in CA and the AGI in my original 2016 return was $92,978. Is it possible that adding another $8,000 in COBRA payments made no difference and that was why there was no change in the amended return?

[Coleen3]

It is possible that you did not have sufficient payments to be able to take advantage of the medical deduction. In 2016, the AGI floor was 10%. So, with your AGI, the floor would have been $9297. If you had other medical to add to the COBRA, it might push you over the limit.

[SoCal-Guy-in-CA]

Then that would explain it - Thanks!!!!

[Coleen3]

My pleasure.

[Coleen3 · Accepted solution]

You would need to amend your 2016 return. Before you do, make sure that the additional amount will make a difference. Did you initially have enough to itemize? If so, this will be added to that amount if, it pushes you over the 10% (2016) of AGI limitation.

Click or tap a tax year for specific amending instructions.

• 2017 - instructions will be available in late January or early February 2018

• 2016
• 2015
• 2014