Can I deduct medical expenses?
To deduct medical, dental, or vision costs on your federal return, you have to itemize your deductions instead of taking the Standard Deduction. For most people, the Standard Deduction produces the best outcome on your taxes. You can read our article to learn more about the differences.
If you itemize, you can deduct medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI).
The IRS has an extensive list of what you can and can’t deduct.
Example: Yann is itemizing this year. Their AGI is $50,000, so 7.5% of their AGI is $3,750. They spent $4,000 on medical expenses, including therapy, contact lens solution, and gas for driving to and from doctors appointments. They can deduct $250 from their federal return.
Here's how to enter your medical expenses in TurboTax:
Navigate to the Schedule A section:
TurboTax Online/Mobile: Go to the Schedule A screen under Deductions & Credits.
TurboTax Desktop:
Go to Federal Taxes.
Go to Deductions & Credits.
Under Medical, select Start or Update next to Medical Expenses.
