Investopedia

IRS Publication 502: Medical And Dental Expenses

Dictionary Says

Definition of 'IRS Publication 502: Medical And Dental Expenses'

A document published by the Internal Revenue Service detailing the deductions permitted for medical expenses. Medical and dental expenses are itemized deductions, and IRS Publication 502 indicates what type of expenses can and cannot be included, how to take into account money received from a personal injury, how to account for medical devices that are sold, and how to report any medical deductions on the tax return itself.

Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'IRS Publication 502: Medical And Dental Expenses'

Taxpayers can deduct only medical expenses that are more than 7.5% of their adjusted gross income. If the total is less than that, then the taxpayer won't be able to claim the expenses.

While the IRS document does outline some of the most common medical expenses claimed by taxpayers, a number of conditions are not mentioned specifically. Taxpayers should refer to the IRS definition of a medical expense: "the costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and the costs for treatment affecting any part of function of the body."

Articles Of Interest

  1. Surviving The IRS Audit

    Keeping thorough records and knowing the penalties make this experience easier than you'd expect.
  2. Should You File An Early Tax Return?

    When it comes to filing your taxes, it can often pay to wait until the deadline.
  3. Tax Tips For The Individual Investor

    We give you seven guidelines to help you keep more of your money in your pocket.
  4. 10 Steps To Tax Preparation

    Follow these simple steps to get you ready for April 15.
  5. 10 Most Overlooked Tax Deductions

    The receipts you cram into your wallet could be replaced with cash come tax season.
  6. How To Appeal Your IRS Audit

    The auditor's review isn't always the last word. Many taxpayers who are audited can successfully appeal their audits and save thousands of dollars.
  7. Has Income Tax Become A Class Tax On The Poor?

    With more than 33% of American families falling close to the poverty line despite their adult members holding full-time employment, a rising number of citizens are being forced to pay a rate ...
  8. How The 2014 Obama Budget Could Affect Your Finances

    Depending on which estimate you believe, Obama's proposed budget would raise the tax bill of a household with a yearly income of $50,000 to $75,000 between $63 and $100 per year. However, that’s ...
  9. Austerity: When The Government Tightens Its Belt

    When a government tightens its belt in tough economic times the entire nation feels the squeeze.
  10. Inaccurate Tax Return, Now What?

    If the IRS finds errors, it will cost you. Find out how to fix them, and how to prevent them in the first place.
comments powered by Disqus
Marketplace
Hot Definitions
  1. Pattern Day Trader

    An SEC designation for traders who trade the same security four or more times per day (buys and sells) over a five-day period, and for whom same-day trades make up at least 6% of their activity for that period.
  2. Cost-Push Inflation

    A phenomenon in which the general price levels rise (inflation) due to increases in the cost of wages and raw materials.
  3. Happiness Economics

    The formal academic study of the relationship between individual satisfaction and economic issues, such as employment and wealth.
  4. Affluenza

    A social condition arising from the desire to be more wealthy, successful or to "keep up with the Joneses." Affluenza is symptomatic of a culture that holds up financial success as one of the highest achievements.
  5. Icarus Factor

    The term Icarus factor describes a situation where managers or executives initiate an overly ambitious project which then fails. Fueled by excitement for the project, the executives are unable to reign in their misguided enthusiasm before it is too late to avoid the failure.
  6. Angelina Jolie Stock Index

    An index made up of a selection of stocks from companies associated with actress Angela Jolie.
Trading Center