Can You Deduct Your Medical Bills From Your Taxes?
Expenses for medical and dental care may be deductible on Schedule A (Itemized Deductions) of Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 1040. Prevention and treatment of physical and mental problems are allowable expenses when the care is for yourself, your spouse or your dependents.
Covered Services
Fees paid to doctors, dentists, hospitals and other medical personnel, including Christian Science practitioners, are deductible. You may also deduct prescription drugs, eyeglasses, hearing aids, wheelchairs and guide dogs for the blind.
Excluded Items
You may not deduct, among other things, non-prescription medicines, toothpaste and other toiletries, funeral or burial expenses, health club dues or most cosmetic surgery.
Timeframe
Only expenses that you actually paid for during the tax year may be included as deductions.
Amount Allowed
You may deduct only the amount of medical expenses greater than 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income, which is reported on Form 1040.
Insurance Premiums
Self-employed individuals who had net profit may be able to deduct insurance premiums for an insurance plan obtained by the business, but you may not take a deduction if you or your spouse were eligible for an employer-sponsored plan.
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