X is for X-rays.  I have never had an X-ray, but I’m pretty sure if you are having one that means you maybe broke a bone, so I can’t recommend needing one.  When it comes to medical expenses, they are sometimes tax deductible and the rules have changed recently, tied to Obamacare.  For years the medical expenses were only deductible when they exceeded 7.5% of your AGI for the year.  Starting in 2013 that threshold has increased to 10% of AGI for people under age 65.  The 10% threshold will apply to those over 65 starting in 2017.  Seems a bit ridiculous that the medical threshold is different for people over 65, but that’s what it is.

Medical expenses that are deductible can be a variety of things.  Payments for doctor bills, dentists, specialists, and the services they provide (like x-rays, blood tests, etc.) are deductible.  You can also deduct your health or dental insurance if you are paying for it out-of-pocket.  If you get your insurance through work it is normally a tax-free fringe benefit.  The deduction is only for your out-of-pocket insurance plans.  Long-term care insurance is also deductible although subject to a limitation depending upon how old you are at the time.  Prescription drugs are also deductible, but that means you need to have a prescription.  Going to Walgreens and buying aspirin or bandages are not going to qualify even if they were recommended.

Lastly medical travel or mileage is also deductible.  If you drive down to the Mayo clinic for tests, that mileage is deductible.  For medical purposes the mileage rate is only 23 cents which is much less than the business mileage rates, but still better than nothing.

Taxes A to Z – still randomly meandering through tax topics, but at least for 26 posts in an alphabetical order

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