Can You Claim Orthodontics on Your Taxes?

Orthodontic treatment can correct teeth alignment and bite issues.

The federal government allows you to claim many exemptions and deductions on your federal taxes: mortgage interest, child care, some moving expenses and medical care, to name a few. You can claim medical care in certain circumstances, but you must file your taxes using specific forms and meet minimum requirements.

Itemize Taxes

To claim medical expenses on your federal taxes, you must itemize your expenses rather than take the standard deduction. Your total medical expenses must be greater than 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income. Itemize your expenses using Schedule A with a 1040 tax form.

Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment is considered a covered medical expense; you can deduct orthodontic treatment on your taxes if the costs meet the minimum requirements listed in Section 1. Include the cost of office visits, x-rays, exams and any other expense related to your orthodontic treatments. The cost of the orthodontic care alone does not need to be greater than the 7.5 percent, you can lump the orthodontic care in with all of your other medical expenses.

Medical Care

Medical care encompasses a wide variety of treatment: dental, orthodontic, vision care, mental health treatment, physical therapy, acupuncture, massage therapy, medications, blood work and much more. Cosmetic procedures are generally not an allowed expense, as such treatment is not necessary -- a face lift, a tummy tuck and teeth whitening are examples of expenses that are not deductible.

Receipts

Keep receipts for all of your medical treatment. In the event of an audit, you will need to prove your expenses. The treatment does not need to happen in the year you claim the expense but the payment must be made in the year you claim the expense. For example, if you had a broken arm in 2008 and the medical costs associated with the broken arm were paid in 2010, you would claim the expense on your 2010 taxes.

References

• Internal Revenue Service: Publication 502-Main Content
• Taxes in Depth: Medical Expenses Tax Deduction