medical deductions

[gjhines22]

I entered all of my medical expenses for last year in the online forms and the total is higher than my income for last year. My income is SSA. Turbotax showed me that the standard deduction is higher than the itemized deduction. Why is that exactly?

[xmasbaby0 · Accepted solution]

If your only income for 2021 has been Social Security you do not have to file a tax return.   If you did not have tax withheld from your Social Security benefits, then there is nothing from which to give you a tax refund.  The medical expenses will not make a difference.   

[HelenC12]

xmasbaby0 is correct. 

As an FYI, 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 if the taxpayer uses IRS Schedule A to itemize their deductions.

[gjhines22]

I would not have filed this year except I have to reconcile my premium tax credit from my health insurance.  So I understand that because my 2021 income was not taxed then medical expenses be applicable to a deductible?

[gjhines22]

would not be applicable to a deductible

[xmasbaby0]

No.   Since you did not pay any tax there is nothing to be gained or deducted by entering medical expenses.  Refunds come from paying more tax than you owe.   You did not pay any tax.

[gjhines22]

ok thank you

[Vanessa A]

That is correct.  Your medical expenses would not give you any type of deduction since you already do not have taxable income and you are only filing because you have a 1095-A.