Can I deduct medical expenses on my taxes in 2025?

Yes, you can deduct unreimbursed medical and dental expenses that exceed 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) if you itemize deductions on Schedule A.

Example: If your AGI is $60,000 and you had $8,000 in qualifying medical expenses, you can deduct $8,000 - ($60,000 x 7.5%) = $8,000 - $4,500 = $3,500.

What qualifies as deductible medical expenses:

• Doctor, dentist, and specialist visits (copays, coinsurance, deductibles)
• Prescription medications and insulin
• Health insurance premiums you paid with after-tax dollars (not pre-tax payroll deductions)
• Mental health treatment and therapy
• Long-term care insurance premiums (age-based limits apply)
• Medical equipment (wheelchairs, hearing aids, glasses, contacts)
• Travel to medical appointments (67 cents per mile for 2024, or actual out-of-pocket costs plus parking and tolls)
• Dental work including braces, crowns, implants
• Fertility treatments (IVF, egg freezing may qualify)

What does NOT qualify: Cosmetic surgery (unless medically necessary), gym memberships, over-the-counter medications (some exceptions), vitamins and supplements, teeth whitening.

HSA alternative: If you have a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), contributing to a Health Savings Account (HSA) is often better than itemizing medical expenses. For 2024, you can contribute $4,150 (individual) or $8,300 (family) on a pre-tax basis. HSA withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free at any time. You get a deduction now and tax-free growth and withdrawals later.

Tip for high-expense years: If you know you will have major medical expenses (surgery, orthodontics), try to bunch expenses into one year to exceed the 7.5% AGI threshold.