Medical bills i paid with credit card, do i only claim how much iv have paid so far on the credit card or how much i charged on the credit card?

[bond314985]

which do i claim what i charged on my credit card or how much of it i have paid on the credit card

[DoninGA]

For medical expenses you can only enter what you actually paid during the year with out of pocket funds which were not reimbursed.  Not what you were charged.

[VolvoGirl · Accepted solution]

I always thought....

If by credit card, it would be when the charge was made. Putting it on your credit card is the same as paying it.  You can deduct the full amount.  But you can't deduct any interest or penalties you paid on it.

If you put it on a credit card or took out a loan you can deduct the full amount even though you pay it over time. If you are on a payment plan with the hospital or doctor, etc. then it's only the amount you pay. Either way you only can deduct the principal amount, not any interest.

[VolvoGirl]

Yes scroll down to.....What expenses can I include this year

https://www.irs.gov/publications/p502 

[DoninGA]

Yes...If paid by credit card then the full amount can be deducted as a medical expense.

[Mike9241]

see this link. The IRS does allow you to deduct medical bills when they are put on your credit card not when you make payments on your credit card. 

https://www.hrblock.com/tax-center/filing/adjustments-and-deductions/deduct-medical-expenses-paid-wi... 

IRS pub 502

If you use a credit card, include medical expenses you charge to your credit card in the year the charge is made, not when you actually pay the amount charged.

https://www.irs.gov/publications/p502#:~:text=If%20you%20use%20a%20credit%20card%2C%20include%20medi...