Publication 502
From TaxAlmanac
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Medical and Dental Expenses
Overview
This publication explains the itemized deduction for medical and dental expenses that you claim on Schedule A (Form 1040). It discusses what expenses, and whose expenses, you can and cannot include in figuring the deduction. It explains how to treat reimbursements and how to figure the deduction. It also tells you how to report the deduction and what to do if you sell medical property or receive damages for a personal injury.
Medical expenses include dental expenses, and in this publication, the term “medical expenses” is often used to refer to medical and dental expenses.
You can deduct only the part of your medical and dental expenses that is more than 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. If your medical and dental expenses are not more than 7.5% of your adjusted gross income, you cannot claim a deduction.
This publication also explains how to treat impairment-related work expenses, health insurance premiums if you are self-employed, and the health coverage tax credit that is available to certain individuals.
Pub. 502 covers many common medical expenses but not every possible medical expense. If you cannot find the expense you are looking for, refer to the definition of medical expenses under What Are Medical Expenses (in the publication).
