Why was I not allowed to deduct my considerable health care costs (I have Lupus and a brain tumor.)?

[suanne-hardie]

I paid $1000 into my HSA and my employer did not add this to my W-2 form in box 12. I paid out of pocket a LOT more than that for my health care.

[DirkR · Accepted solution]

Sorry to hear about your health issues. Medical expenses are subject to a number of limiting thresholds. For instance, to begin with, you need to itemize (and not claim the standard deduction). If you do itemize, the medical expenses need to generally exceed 10% of your adjusted gross income (if you are under age 65). As an example, if your adjusted gross income is $40,000, only the medical expenses that exceed $4,000 will be deductible. 

I hope that helps. Please let me know if you have any additional questions or comments.

Thanks,

Dirk