Tax day, April 17, is quickly approaching. Have you filed your taxes yet? Here you’ll find a handy list of tax-deductible medical expenses, along with a way to see if you meet the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) requirements for medical expense deductions.
Can I deduct my medical expenses?
Your medical expense deductions will need to add up to 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI). This changed from 10% in 2017. Remember, this includes expenses for your spouse and your dependents!
What counts as a medical expense?
Doctors and specialists
Payments or fees for visits to primary care doctors and specialists.
Doctors, dentists, and eye doctors
Surgeons
Acupuncturists, chiropractors, physical therapists, and occupational therapists
Podiatrists
Psychiatrists and psychologists
Transportation
Expenses to get to and from a medical service or appointment. You can deduct 17 cents per mile for gas!
Taxi, bus, train, and other public transportation
Ambulance
Personal car
Parking and tolls
Capital expenses
Equipment or improvements to your home, if their main purpose is to provide medical assistance for you, your spouse, or your dependent.
Installing railing or support bars in the bathroom
Modifying fire alarms and smoke detectors
Modifying stairways
Adding handrails or grab bars anywhere
Lead-based paint removal
Equipment, supplies, and devices
Equipment, supplies, or devices related to medical care for you, your spouse, or your dependent.
Reading or prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses
Hearing aids
False teeth
Crutches and wheelchairs
Breast pumps
Blood sugar test kit
Procedures
Procedures, if performed to prevent disease or if they assist with having children.
Dental procedures to prevent dental disease (e.g., sealants, fluoride treatments, X-rays, braces, extraction)
Vasectomy
Cataract Surgery
Fertility enhancements, if you have trouble having children
Recovery programs
Recovery programs for alcohol or drug addiction, smoking, or weight loss for specific diseases.
Acupuncture (if used for recovery)
Inpatient treatment for alcohol or drug addiction
Participation in smoking cessation program
Weight-loss programs for specific diseases (as diagnosed by a physician), including obesity
Medicines
Medications that require a prescription.
Medicines that require a prescription, like insulin or birth control pills
What can't I deduct?
Keep in mind that you cannot deduct certain items. Over-the-counter drugs (like Advil or Tylenol for a cold) and cosmetic surgeries do not make the list.
Unfortunately, you also cannot deduct medical expenses "that have been paid using pre-tax money from an FSA or HSA." That would be a double tax benefit, and it is not allowed by the IRS.
Please note: This is not a complete list of approved medical expense deductions. Click here for the IRS's full list.
Castlight makes itemizing healthcare expenses quick and easy, with bank-account views of your claims. Log in to see your statement for 2017!
