Anderson: The 411 on dental deductions in 2021

By Mark Anderson

This 12 months, whereas the federal tax deadline has been prolonged, Arizona state taxes nonetheless must be filed by April 15, until you might have filed an extension, by which case they’re. are due October 15, 2021.

Both manner, in the event you plan to itemize your federal deductions, you might be able to deduct dental bills for your self, your partner, and your dependents.

In line with the IRS, medical and dental prices embrace “funds for the prognosis, remedy, alleviation, remedy, or prevention of a illness, or funds for remedies affecting any construction or perform of the physique. “.

Which means that you might be able to deduct quite a lot of bills, together with preventative and extra intensive dental remedies reminiscent of:

  • Cleanings
  • Sealant
  • Fluoride
  • Fillings
  • Braces
  • Extractions
  • X-rays
  • Dentures

Fee for participation in a smoking cessation program – the most effective methods to instantly enhance dental well being – in addition to for medical aids that ease nicotine withdrawal and require a prescription may additionally be deductible.

Journey bills to and from dentist appointments – yours and people you present on your partner or dependents – may additionally be deductible, and this features a vary of transportation choices. For instance, this consists of:

  • Taxi or bus fare
  • Carpooling
  • Ambulance
  • Private automotive

You may also deduct the quantity of your precise bills reminiscent of gasoline and petroleum, the quantity of the usual mileage charge for medical bills, and the price of tolls and parking. A significant replace from 2020: The present IRS normal mileage charge for a automotive when used for medical causes is 16 cents per mile, which is down from 17 cents a 12 months final.

Sometimes, medical bills exclude the quantity you pay for beauty procedures or companies that don’t promote correct functioning of the physique or forestall or deal with a illness or sickness. The price of tooth whitening or beauty veneers, for instance, will not be deductible. You additionally can’t embrace bills that have been paid for by insurance coverage firms or different sources. For an entire listing of potential write-offs, see Publication 502 on the IRS web site.

Earlier than taking a deduction, it is best to examine the proportion of your dental and medical bills. Usually, you may solely deduct the quantity of your medical and dental bills which might be greater than 7.5% of your adjusted gross revenue.

Lastly, in the event you’re searching for a last deduction generally, remember you can obtain a dollar-for-dollar tax credit score in your Arizona tax return by donating to a certified charity – just like the Delta. Dental of Arizona Basis – by April. 15.

When you’ve got any further questions or want to know if Arizona affords an revenue tax deduction for dental bills, seek the advice of your private tax advisor as this info is basic in nature and never supposed to be an alternative to tax recommendation. .

Editor’s Be aware: Mark Anderson, CPA, is the CFO of Delta Dental of Arizona, in Glendale. He lives in Scottsdale.

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