Tax time: Can you deduct medical expenses? - Houston weather, traffic, news | FOX 26 | MyFoxHouston

Tax time: Can you deduct medical expenses?

Posted: Updated:

If you haven't tackled those taxes yet, we've got some information you want to know.  It's a complicated maze trying to sort out what you can deduct and what you can't, but if you're wondering about deducting medical expenses, we can help.  

Oxygen Financial Services is a full-service financial planning group.  Their experts know the ins and outs of the taxman's ever-changing rules.  One of those experts, Van Pappas, told FOX 5 a whole lot of expenses are included in medical deductions, like mileage to and from appointments.  

Pappas reminds you those medical deductions are for all qualified members of your family.  He also says you can deduct your insurance premiums for medical or long term care insurance.

But here's the catch:   You can only deduct medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income.  So, if you're making $100,00 a year as a family, your medical receipts over $7,500 can be deducted.

Sounds like a lot, right? But don't forget that even a year's worth of co-pays count.  When you break it down, it starts to tally up.

If you think you have enough medical expenses to consider, go to the IRS's website.  It's explained there.  If you're seeing an account this tax season, but sure to ask about this.

  • I-Team Story Archive

  • FOX 5 I-Team investigates

    Monday, May 20 2013 11:12 PM EDT2013-05-21 03:12:38 GMT
    The Douglas County district attorney used seized drug money to take support staff to a north Georgia training conference designed for prosecuting attorneys.
    The Douglas County district attorney used seized drug money to take support staff to a north Georgia training conference designed for prosecuting attorneys. The FOX 5 I-Team followed along and found the four women didn't even register to attend the conference.  
  • Monday, May 20 2013 8:26 AM EDT2013-05-20 12:26:58 GMT
    How many bank accounts do you have?  Most of us have a few.  But it might be time to start paring down.
    How many bank accounts do you have?  Most of us have a few.  But it might be time to start paring down.
  • Monday, May 20 2013 6:44 AM EDT2013-05-20 10:44:05 GMT
    Maria Boudet is a teen who had been living in foster care. She worked hard and earned a college scholarship. But the scholarship was revoked when Boudet's life-long wish was answered; she was adopted.
    Maria Boudet is a teen who had been living in foster care. She worked hard and earned a college scholarship. But the scholarship was revoked when Boudet's life-long wish was answered; she was adopted.

Contact the FOX 5 I-Team

* denotes required fields

Log InNot you? Log out
We're sorry, but only one entry is allowed per person.
Thank you for your continued interest.

Thanks for contacting FOX 5.  To reach our newsroom by phone, please call (404) 898-0100.

  • Good Day Archive

  • Monday, May 20 2013 11:00 AM EDT2013-05-20 15:00:34 GMT
    When the pools open on Memorial Day weekend, it's going to be hard to keep your kids away from the water. 
    When the pools open on Memorial Day weekend, it's going to be hard to keep your kids away from the water.  But before summer gets into full swing, we've got some tips to help you make sure your children stay safe at the pool.
  • Meet the Good Day Pets for Monday, May 20!
    Meet the Good Day Pets for Monday, May 20!
  • Monday, May 20 2013 9:52 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:52:30 GMT
    The nasty divorce between Real Housewives of Atlanta star Portia Stewart and her husband, former NFL star Kordell Stewart, just got nastier.
    The nasty divorce between Real Housewives of Atlanta star Portia Stewart and her husband, former NFL star Kordell Stewart, just got nastier.  TMZ's Harvey Levin filled us in on the latest on Good Day!
Powered by WorldNow

KRIV FOX 26
4261 Southwest Freeway
Houston, TX 77027

Phone: (713) 479-2801
Fax: (713) 479-2859

Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices