Why am I only allowed a fraction of my medical expenses? The form shows my total medical expenses, but the summary is only showing a reduced amount,

[JohnW15 · Accepted solution]

Under the tax code, there’s a pretty strict limitation to how much you can deduct.  Medical Expenses are deductible only to the extent that they exceed 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). 

Let’s say your Medical Deductions were $8,000, and your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) was $40,000.  7.5% of $40,000 is $3,000.  When you enter the $8,000 of medical expenses, TurboTax deducts the $3,000, and your total deductible medical expenses are $5,000.  This most likely accounts for the discrepancy you’re seeing.

For more information about this limitation, see “Medical and Dental Expenses” on page 1 of the IRS’s Instructions for Schedule A (Form 1040).

[Edited 3|16|2020 12:57 pm]