I had to pay 1,285.00 up front for braces do I get to claim it

[ThomasM · Accepted solution]

Yes, IRS considers braces to be a qualified medical (dental) expense and deductible as an itemized deduction on Schedule A.

To enter the amount you paid for the braces, click on the Federal Taxes tab, then Deductions & Credits, then scroll down to Medical and select Medical Expenses.  Then follow the prompts.  You can enter this amount in the box for "Doctors & Dentists."

Here's a link to IRS Publication 502, Medical Expenses, where you can see braces and other dental expenses listed under "Dental Treatment" on page 7: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p502.pdf.