Here’s a reason to smile: If you itemize, you may be able to claim a tax deduction for last year’s dental expenses.
Preparing your taxes? If you itemize your federal deductions, you may be able to deduct dental expenses for yourself, your spouse and your dependents.
According to the IRS, medical and dental care expenses include “payments for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, or payments for treatments affecting any structure or function of the body.” This means you could deduct:
- Preventive dental treatments such as cleanings, sealants, and fluoride, along with more extensive treatments to alleviate dental disease, such as fillings, braces and dentures. Check the full list of potential write-offs.
- Travel costs to/from dental appointments, which could include public transportation fees, mileage or parking fees.
- The costs associated to certain IRS-approved programs to quit smoking—but take note, patches, gum and other over-the-counter smoking cessation methods aren’t deductible.
The catch? You’ll need to check your dental and medical expense percentage before taking the deduction. Generally, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:
- Your total dental/medical expenses must exceed 10% of your adjusted gross income.
- If you are over age 65, your total dental/medical expenses must exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. (Note: The 7.5% limitation is effective only from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2016 for individuals age 65 and older and their spouses.)
Need a bit more info? Watch this short video from the IRS’ YouTube Channel:
If you have additional questions or want to know if Arizona offers a state income tax deduction for dental expenses, consult your personal tax advisor.
Please note that the above information is general in nature and is being provided for educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for tax advice. Please consult with your personal tax advisor to determine whether you are eligible for a tax deduction.
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