Can medical expense incurred in December of 2017 but paid in 2018 via monthly interest free payments be deducted from current 2018 year taxes?

[khriordan]

Large medical expense incurred ending with hosptial discharge Dec. 30 2017.  Bill paid in 2018 via monthly interest free payments.  Can this be used as a 2018 medical deduction?   This question is for my 27 year old son who has a low income and we are planning on using med deductions for him this year given ongoing medical issues/expenses.  Aware of the 7.5% rule.  

[Vanessa · Accepted solution]

Yes, if all other criteria to take the medical deduction are met, medical expenses are deductible in the year they are paid. 

[khriordan]

Thanks for the quick response Vanessa!