Are Dental Procedures Tax Deductible?

added on: January 31, 2019

On a tan countertop, a green one dollar bill sits on top of a pink piggy bank used for saving money

You may be thinking about filing your income taxes soon, as your W-2 and other information become available with the start of the new year. If you’re itemizing your deductions instead of taking the standard deduction, you are probably wondering if your dental expenses for 2018 count. Read on to learn which dental expenses qualify!

What You Need to Know

First, in order to write off medical or dental expenses, you will need to file an itemized tax form. Second, the amount that you are able to deduct is based on your adjusted gross income (AGI). For 2017 and 2018, the first 7.5% that goes toward medical and dental payments is not deductible. What you are able to write off is anything that exceeds that amount. For example, if you earn $50,000 a year, in order to deduct dental expenses, you will need to have spent at least $3,750 on out-of-pocket costs for care. Anything that goes over that 7.5% of your AGI can be deducted. (Keep in mind that this number increases to 10% for 2019.)

Tax-Deductible Dental Expenses

There are certain stipulations, but the good news is that many dental expenses are tax-deductible:

  • Only medically necessary preventive and therapeutic services are deductible. This includes things such as routine cleanings, X-rays, fillings, emergency procedures, braces, extractions, and transportation to your appointments.
  • Cosmetic dentistry expenses are not tax deductible. This includes receiving whitening treatments or porcelain veneers.
  • Medication is deductible if it was prescribed by your doctor or dentist.
  • The stipulation is that all expenses incurred must be unreimbursed by your insurance company or third party. So, if your insurance company has covered the cost of your medical/dental procedures or medication, only your out-of-pocket expenses can be deducted. Any costs that were reimbursed do not count.
  • Additionally, all expenses must have gone toward care for you, your spouse, or dependents.

Questions? Ask Us!

Although we are not tax experts, we’re happy to answer any questions you may have regarding services you and your family received here at Cary Family Dental in 2018 to help you file accurately. Contact our friendly team today!

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Posted In: Financial