Category: Medical expenses

  • Seniors May Be Able to Write Off Medicare Premiums on Their Tax Returns

    Seniors May Be Able to Write Off Medicare Premiums on Their Tax Returns

    Are you age 65 and older, and do you have basic Medicare insurance? You may need to pay additional premiums to get the level of coverage you want. The premiums can be expensive, especially if you’re married and both you and your spouse are paying them. But there may be a bright side: You may…

  • Reasons Why Married Couples Might Want to File Separate Tax Returns

    Reasons Why Married Couples Might Want to File Separate Tax Returns

    Married couples often wonder whether they should file joint or separate tax returns. The answer depends on your individual tax situation. It generally depends on which filing status results in the lowest tax. But keep in mind that, if you and your spouse file a joint return, each of you is “jointly and severally” liable…

  • Congress Gives a Holiday Gift in the Form of Favorable Tax Provisions

    Congress Gives a Holiday Gift in the Form of Favorable Tax Provisions

    As part of a year-end budget bill, Congress just passed a package of tax provisions that will provide savings for some taxpayers. The White House has announced that President Trump will sign the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020 into law. It also includes a retirement-related law titled the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement…

  • Medical Expenses: What It Takes to Qualify for a Tax Deduction

    Medical Expenses: What It Takes to Qualify for a Tax Deduction

    As we all know, medical services and prescription drugs are expensive. You may be able to deduct some of your expenses on your tax return but the rules make it difficult for many people to qualify. However, with proper planning, you may be able to time discretionary medical expenses to your advantage for tax purposes.…

  • Seniors: Medicare Premiums Could Lower Your Tax Bill

    Seniors: Medicare Premiums Could Lower Your Tax Bill

    Americans who are 65 and older qualify for basic Medicare insurance, and they may need to pay additional premiums to get the level of coverage they desire. The premiums can be expensive, especially if you’re married and both you and your spouse are paying them. But one aspect of paying premiums might be positive: If…

  • Two Major Tax Law Changes for Individuals in 2019

    Two Major Tax Law Changes for Individuals in 2019

    Medical expense deduction threshold With rising health care costs, claiming whatever tax breaks related to health care that you can is more important than ever. But there’s a threshold for deducting medical expenses that was already difficult for many taxpayers to meet, and it may be even harder to meet this year. The TCJA temporarily…