Are Dental Procedures Tax Deductible?

January 25, 2019

It’s tax time! As you look back on your yearly expenses, be sure to consider whether you can deduct any dental procedures and expenses for 2018. Here is a brief and helpful guide according to Internal Revenue Service’s policies:

How to Deduct Dental Procedures

Although the IRS recognizes medical and dental expenses as tax deductible, there are a few conditions:

1. You must be eligible to file using an itemized tax form.

This is the only way to deduct medical and dental expenses.

2. You may only deduct expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income annually.

This means that if you made $100,000 in 2018, the eligible amount you can deduct for medical and dental expenses must exceed $7,500. Any amount under that does not apply.

3. The expenses incurred must be from you, your spouse, or your dependents.

Anyone who does not fit this description cannot be counted toward itemized deductions for medical and dental expenses.

4. Prescription medications related to dental treatment are deductible.

The medications must have been prescribed for dental purposes.

5. Only necessary dental and medical procedures are considered tax deductible.

This includes cleanings, fillings, X-rays, extractions, other surgeries, and braces. It does not include cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening and porcelain veneers.

6. Only unreimbursed expenses are considered deductible.

This means that if your dental insurance company or any third party covered or partially covered any dental expenses, only the out-of-pocket cost to you is considered deductible. And remember, that amount must exceed 7.5% of your AGI.

Consult with Our Team!

Please call our office if you have any questions about treatments or services you had done in 2018. We are happy to help so that you can file your expenses accurately. Or if it’s time for your biannual checkup and cleaning, schedule your next appointment today.