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New Member
posted Feb 16, 2022 2:28:11 PM

I purchased hearing aids in 2021. I also purchased ear molds and a clip on microphone to use at meetings. Do the ear molds and mic qualify ?

All items were purchased at my audiologists office.

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1 Replies
Expert Alumni
Feb 16, 2022 3:04:25 PM

It depends. You can take a deduction for this but only as an itemized deduction.  In 2021, the IRS allows all taxpayers to deduct their qualified unreimbursed medical care expenses that exceed 7.5% of their adjusted gross income. The IRS also lets you deduct the expenses that you pay to travel for medical care, such as mileage on your car, bus fare and parking fees.

 

However, If you pay for your medical expenses using money from a flexible spending account or health savings account, those expenses aren't deductible because the money in those accounts is already tax-advantaged.

 

The deduction value for medical expenses varies because the amount changes based on your income. In 2021, the IRS allows all taxpayers to deduct their total qualified unreimbursed medical care expenses that exceed 7.5% of their adjusted gross income. But this is only applicable if you use itemized deduction.

 

To explain the 7.5% in more detail, lets look at an example. For example, if you make $100,000. Based on the 7.5% adjusted gross income rule I mentioned above, only medical expenses which are above $7,500 ($100,000 * 7.5%) will be eligible for a deduction.