How much of my medical expenses can I deduct on my taxes?

You can deduct medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI). For example, if your AGI is $50,000, you can deduct medical expenses above $3,750 (7.5% × $50,000). If you had $8,000 in medical expenses, you could deduct $4,250.

What is the 7.5% AGI rule for medical deductions?

The 7.5% AGI rule means you can only deduct medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. This is the threshold set by the IRS. Only expenses above this threshold are deductible. The 7.5% threshold was made permanent by the Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act.

Can I deduct health insurance premiums on my taxes?

Yes, you can deduct health insurance premiums as a medical expense if you itemize deductions and your total medical expenses exceed 7.5% of your AGI. Self-employed individuals may be able to deduct premiums above-the-line without itemizing. Premiums paid with pre-tax dollars through an employer cannot be deducted.

Should I itemize deductions for medical expenses?

You should itemize if your total itemized deductions (medical expenses, state taxes, mortgage interest, charitable donations) exceed the standard deduction ($14,600 for single, $29,200 for married filing jointly in 2024). Use our calculator to see if your medical expenses alone justify itemizing.

Can I deduct mileage for medical appointments?

Yes, you can deduct mileage driven for medical care at 67 cents per mile for 2024. This includes trips to doctor appointments, pharmacies, hospitals, and medical treatments. Keep detailed records of dates, destinations, and miles driven. You cannot deduct mileage if you were reimbursed.

Are dental and vision expenses tax deductible?

Yes, dental and vision expenses are tax-deductible medical expenses. This includes cleanings, fillings, braces, eye exams, glasses, contact lenses, and corrective eye surgery like LASIK. These expenses count toward the 7.5% AGI threshold along with other medical costs.

What medical expenses are NOT tax deductible?

Non-deductible expenses include cosmetic procedures (unless medically necessary), over-the-counter medications without a prescription, health club memberships, vitamins and supplements, life insurance premiums, and expenses reimbursed by insurance. Premiums paid with pre-tax HSA or FSA funds also cannot be deducted.

How do I calculate my AGI for medical deductions?

Your adjusted gross income (AGI) is your total income minus specific deductions like IRA contributions, student loan interest, and self-employment tax. Find your AGI on line 11 of Form 1040. Multiply your AGI by 7.5% to find your medical expense threshold. Expenses above this amount are deductible.

Can I deduct medical expenses paid for family members?

Yes, you can deduct medical expenses paid for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents. This includes children, parents, or others who qualify as dependents on your tax return. The expenses must be paid in the tax year you're claiming them, even if the services were provided in a different year.

Healthcare Tax Deduction Calculator | Medical Expense Tax Savings

Q: What medical expenses are tax deductible?

Tax-deductible medical expenses include insurance premiums, doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, dental and vision care, medical equipment, mileage for medical appointments (67 cents/mile in 2024), and qualified long-term care. You can only deduct expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI).

Calculate Your Medical Expense Deduction

Enter your AGI and medical expenses to see what you can deduct. Only expenses above 7.5% of your AGI are deductible.

Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) *

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Insurance Premiums

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Doctor Visits & Copays

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Prescription Medications

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Hospital & Surgery Costs

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Dental & Vision Care

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Medical Mileage (miles)

Other Medical Expenses

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Understanding Medical Expense Tax Deductions

Medical expense deductions are one of those tax breaks that sound great until you realize there's a catch—the 7.5% AGI threshold. Basically, you can only deduct medical costs that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. If you had a major health event or lots of out-of-pocket expenses, though, this calculator shows whether you've crossed that threshold and how much you could save on taxes.

The 7.5% AGI Threshold Explained

Here's how it works: the IRS says you can deduct medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of your AGI. So if your AGI is $50,000, you need more than $3,750 in medical costs before you can deduct anything. Had $8,000 in expenses? You can deduct $4,250. It's a high bar, which is why most people with routine medical costs don't qualify. But if you've had surgery, expensive treatments, or chronic conditions, you might clear the threshold.

What Medical Expenses Are Tax Deductible?

The list is pretty broad: insurance premiums (if not paid pre-tax through your employer), doctor visits, hospital bills, prescriptions, dental and vision care, medical equipment, and even mileage to medical appointments at 67 cents per mile. The calculator tracks all these categories so you can see if you've got enough to make itemizing worthwhile. Just remember, you can only deduct what you actually paid out of pocket—insurance reimbursements don't count.

ProcedureRates.com provides this free calculator to help you maximize tax savings and make informed decisions about claiming medical expense deductions on your tax return.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about medical expense tax deductions