I have calc a $6,682 refund. I added expenses for an adult dependent who cost me $39,584 of deductible medical costs. But my rebate only went up less than 1,000! Why??

[rapunzelX75]

I completed my turbo tax return input and came up with a $6,682 refund. I then added in additional information covering expenses for an adult daughter dependent who cost me $39,584 of deductible medical dependent costs. My AGI hurdle limit (7.5%) was $23,508 so this allowed me $16,076 in medical expense deductions. However upon adding the details my rebate only went up from $6,682 to $7,180! I was expecting it to increase by about $4,500 with these deductions, why did all these additional costs not give me a bigger rebate?

[Zbucklyo · Accepted solution]

Most likely because you have to get over the hurdle of having your itemized deductions be more than the standard deduction for there to be any tax benefit from this.  Until that point, there is no tax benefit.

[rapunzelX75]

Arrrrgh.   Yes you are correct.  Incredible to understand that I can no longer see a benefit for that amount of medical spend BUT I see that the Trump cuts essentially gave me the tax break without itemizing now.  So swings vs roundabouts......  Thanks