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lackofignorance
New Member

Why aren't my medical expenses deducting? They are greater then the required amount. Thank you.

 
1 Best answer

Accepted Solutions
Vanessa
Level 3

Why aren't my medical expenses deducting? They are greater then the required amount. Thank you.

Generally, if you are not seeing a deduction for the medical expenses you are entering it is for one of the following reasons:

  • Only the amount above 7.5% of your AGI is deductible.  So if you enter $10,000 in medical expenses, and your income is $100,000, only $2,500 of your medical expenses will be added to your itemized deduction. 
  • Your total itemized expenses (including your medical) have not exceeded your standard deduction. The standard deductions are based on your filing status and are as follows
    • Single or Married Filing Separately   $6,350
    • Married Filing Jointly   $12,700
    • Head of Household    $9,350
  • Your AMT is offsetting your Itemized deductions causing you to not receive a benefit from your increasing itemized expenses.  You can check this on line 45 of your 1040. 
  • Your taxable income is already at $0.  If it is already at $0 additional itemized expenses will not lower it further and will not help you tax wise. You can check this on line 43 of your 1040. 
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2 Replies
Vanessa
Level 3

Why aren't my medical expenses deducting? They are greater then the required amount. Thank you.

Generally, if you are not seeing a deduction for the medical expenses you are entering it is for one of the following reasons:

  • Only the amount above 7.5% of your AGI is deductible.  So if you enter $10,000 in medical expenses, and your income is $100,000, only $2,500 of your medical expenses will be added to your itemized deduction. 
  • Your total itemized expenses (including your medical) have not exceeded your standard deduction. The standard deductions are based on your filing status and are as follows
    • Single or Married Filing Separately   $6,350
    • Married Filing Jointly   $12,700
    • Head of Household    $9,350
  • Your AMT is offsetting your Itemized deductions causing you to not receive a benefit from your increasing itemized expenses.  You can check this on line 45 of your 1040. 
  • Your taxable income is already at $0.  If it is already at $0 additional itemized expenses will not lower it further and will not help you tax wise. You can check this on line 43 of your 1040. 
**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post
**Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"
SweetieJean
Level 15

Why aren't my medical expenses deducting? They are greater then the required amount. Thank you.

Itemized deductions also phase out at high income levels.
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