
The Sneaky Tax Deduction You're Probably Missing
Tax season can be a stressful time, filled with forms, calculations, and the constant worry of whether you're doing everything right. While everyone's scrambling to gather W-2s and 1099s, many taxpayers unknowingly leave money on the table by overlooking valuable deductions. One of the most commonly missed deductions? Let's talk about it.
It's not a flashy deduction, and it often gets lost in the shuffle, but it can make a significant difference to your bottom line. We're talking about unreimbursed medical expenses.Think about it: doctor visits, prescriptions, hospital stays, even mileage to and from medical appointments can potentially be deducted. The catch is that you can only deduct the amount of your unreimbursed medical expenses that exceeds a certain percentage of your adjusted gross income (AGI). This threshold is often a barrier, but it shouldn't discourage you from tracking these expenses throughout the year.
Here's how it works: Gather your receipts: Keep records of all medical expenses you paid out of pocket. This includes payments to doctors, hospitals, dentists, specialists, therapists, pharmacies, and even for medical equipment. Don't forget expenses for qualified long-term care! Calculate your AGI: This is your total income minus certain deductions, like contributions to traditional IRAs or student loan interest. Your tax software or a tax professional can help you determine this number. Determine the threshold: For most taxpayers, you can only deduct the amount of medical expenses exceeding 7.5% of your AGI. Do the math: Subtract 7.5% of your AGI from your total unreimbursed medical expenses. The remaining amount, if any, is what you can potentially deduct.
Why is this deduction so often missed?
- Record-keeping: Many people don't diligently track their medical expenses throughout the year. Receipts get lost, and smaller expenses are easily forgotten.
- Complexity: The AGI calculation and the percentage threshold can seem confusing, leading people to assume it's not worth the effort.
- Misconceptions: Some people believe only major medical events qualify. Even smaller, recurring expenses can add up.