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Deductions & Credits

Medical Expense Deduction

Deductible medical costs exceeding 7.5% of AGI.

Unreimbursed medical and dental expenses exceeding 7.5% of your AGI can be deducted if you itemize.

What Counts

DeductibleNot Deductible
Doctor/dentist copaysCosmetic surgery
Prescription drugsOver-the-counter meds (generally)
Health insurance premiums (after-tax)Pre-tax employer premiums
Medical travel costsGym memberships
Long-term care premiums (with limits)General health maintenance
Hearing aids, glassesTeeth whitening

The 7.5% Floor

For AGI of $100,000, only medical expenses above $7,500 are deductible.

Example: $15,000 in medical expenses, $100,000 AGI:

$15,000 − ($100,000 × 7.5%) = $15,000 − $7,500 = $7,500 deductible

Tip: If you're planning expensive medical procedures, consider timing them in the same tax year to exceed the 7.5% floor.

Sources

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