Medical and Dental Expenses — Tax Deduction Guide 2026

Deduct unreimbursed medical and dental expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income.

$5,000

Avg Annual Savings

No Limit

Max Deduction

Itemized

Deduction Type

Schedule A

Tax Forms

Eligibility

Individuals with medical expenses exceeding 7.5% of AGI

Tax Savings Calculator

Your Tax Bracket

Deduction Amount

Estimated Tax Savings

$1,100

At the 22% tax bracket, a $5,000 deduction saves you $1,100 in taxes.

Savings by Tax Bracket

10%

$2,273

12%

$2,727

22%

$5,000

24%

$5,455

32%

$7,273

35%

$7,955

37%

$8,409

Requirements

1Must exceed 7.5% of AGI
2Include insurance premiums
3Travel for medical care included

Common Mistakes to Avoid

!Not tracking all medical expenses
!Including reimbursed expenses

Methodology & Official Sources for Medical and Dental Expenses

How the Medical and Dental Expenses works: This federal tax deduction reduces your taxable income before tax brackets are applied. The exact savings depend on your marginal tax rate — higher-bracket taxpayers save more from each dollar deducted. Eligibility, limits, and phaseout thresholds are governed by the Internal Revenue Code and updated annually by IRS Revenue Procedures.

Authoritative sources:

IRS Publications — official deduction guides
IRS Forms & Instructions — current year tax forms
Internal Revenue Code — primary tax law authority
IRS Interactive Tax Assistant — eligibility self-check
Taxpayer Advocate Service — IRS dispute resolution
IRS Free File — free tax filing for eligible taxpayers

Tax Disclaimer: Tax law is complex and changes annually. The information shown reflects current 2026 IRS guidance. For your specific situation — especially if you have business income, foreign accounts, or unusual deductions — consult a licensed CPA, Enrolled Agent (EA), or tax attorney. Errors in deduction claims can trigger audits.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026

Required Tax Forms

Schedule A

Medical and Dental Expenses by State

State rules and tax rates affect the value of this deduction. Check your state for localized guidance:

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Medical and Dental Expenses?

Deduct unreimbursed medical and dental expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income.

Who is eligible for the Medical and Dental Expenses?

Individuals with medical expenses exceeding 7.5% of AGI

How much can I save with the Medical and Dental Expenses?

The average tax savings is $5,000 per year. Your actual savings depend on your tax bracket and qualifying amount.

What forms do I need for the Medical and Dental Expenses?

You'll need to file Schedule A to claim this deduction.

What are common mistakes with the Medical and Dental Expenses?

Common mistakes include: Not tracking all medical expenses; Including reimbursed expenses. Always double-check requirements before filing.

Is the Medical and Dental Expenses worth claiming?

With average savings of $5,000, the medical and dental expenses is highly valuable. Make sure you meet all eligibility requirements.