Don’t Miss These Overlooked Health-Related Tax Deductions
When tax season rolls around, many people diligently gather their medical receipts, but even the most organized taxpayers often miss out on valuable deductions.
The IRS allows you to deduct qualifying medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI), yet certain health-related costs frequently slip through the cracks. Here are some commonly overlooked medical expenses you may be eligible to deduct on your tax return.
From chiropractic care to health insurance deductibles, don’t forget to include these important expenses on your tax return.
1. Travel Costs for Medical Care
If you had to travel for medical treatments, you might be able to deduct expenses such as:
Mileage to and from medical appointments (standard IRS mileage rate for medical purposes applies–2025’s rate is $0.70 per mile). Go here to see what the current mileage rates are.
Parking fees and tolls
Public transportation fares
Lodging costs (up to $50 per night for a patient and one accompanying person)
2. Home Modifications for Medical Needs
If you made modifications to your home to accommodate a medical condition or disability, those costs may be deductible. This includes:
Wheelchair ramps
Widened doorways
Handrails and grab bars
Lowered countertops for accessibility
The key is that these improvements must be primarily for medical reasons and not just to enhance the value of your home.
3. Medical Equipment and Supplies
Items that assist in medical treatment or daily living may be deductible, including:
Prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses
Hearing aids and batteries
Crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs
Blood sugar test kits and insulin for diabetics
ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS COUNT TOO
Whether it is Chiropractic care, acupuncture or weight loss programs, it counts!
4. Alternative and Preventative Treatments
Some lesser-known medical treatments may also qualify, such as:
Acupuncture
Chiropractic care
Smoking cessation programs
Weight-loss programs prescribed by a doctor for a medical condition (not for general fitness)–i.e. GLP-1 meds like Ozempic/Semaglutide, Mounjauro/Terzepitide, etc.
5. Mental Health and Therapy Costs
Mental health care is often overlooked when considering tax deductions. Eligible expenses include:
Therapy and counseling services
Psychiatric care
Inpatient treatment for mental health or addiction recovery
6. Long-Term Care Insurance Premiums
Premiums for qualified long-term care insurance policies can be deducted, though there are age-based limits on how much you can claim.
7. Fertility Treatments
If you've undergone fertility treatments such as IVF, hormone therapy, or egg/sperm storage for medical reasons, these costs may be deductible.
8. Guide Dogs and Service Animals
Expenses related to purchasing, training, and maintaining a service animal for a diagnosed condition (such as visual impairment or PTSD) are deductible. This includes food, veterinary care, and training costs.
9. Medical Conferences
If you or a dependent attended a medical conference related to a chronic illness or condition, you may be able to deduct registration fees and travel expenses, as long as the conference is primarily for medical care.
10. Lodging and Meals for Caregivers
If a caregiver is needed to assist a patient during medical treatment, their lodging and meals may be deductible under specific circumstances.
How to Maximize Your Medical Deductions
Keep detailed records: Save all medical receipts, mileage logs, and doctor’s notes.
Use an HSA or FSA: Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) allow you to pay for many of these expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Consult a tax professional: If you're unsure about what qualifies, a tax advisor can help ensure you maximize your deductions while staying compliant with IRS rules.
Focus on health and wellness.
Prioritizing your health is essential for well-being and can lead to financial benefits through tax deductions on health-related expenses. Costs for medical treatments, preventive care, and wellness programs may reduce taxable income and lower tax liability. Investing in health enhances your quality of life and creates potential tax savings. A healthier lifestyle can support both physical health and financial stability.
By keeping track of these often-overlooked medical expenses, you can reduce your taxable income and potentially lower your overall tax bill. Don’t leave money on the table—review your medical expenses carefully before filing your return!
If you need help identifying, organizing and applying these expenses on your return, feel free to reach out! We are here to help you maximize your tax outcomes.