John M. Hoffman & Associates CPAs

Frequently Asked Tax Questions

Medical Expenses

"What are legitimate medical tax deductible expenses?"

Our first suggestion here is "use common sense". There are lists and regulations that the IRS has available www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p502.pdf. Without forcing you to go to that list, here are some common ones:

• Medical insurance including Medicare premiums paid by you. DO NOT INCLUDE AMOUNTS THAT YOU PAID WITH PRETAX DOLLARS AT YOUR PLACE OF WORK - YOU HAVE ALREADY ENJOYED THE TAX BENEFIT FOR SUCH.

• Long term care premiums (subject to certain limits)

• Charges to see your medical doctor, or dentist including eye care.

• Prescription medications.

• Eyeglasses and contact lenses.

• Medical Equipment such as crutches, wheelchair, prosthesis, dentures, and hearing aids.

• Birth control pills or fertility enhancement costs.

• Special education expenses for special needs child.

• Travel expenses required to obtain medical care.

Don't forget that the medical expenses that we care about at tax time are those that are unreimbursed by insurance.