Publication 502 |
2000 Tax Year |
How Much of the Expense Can You Deduct?
You can deduct only the amount of your medical and dental expenses
that is more than 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (line
34, Form 1040).
In this publication, the term "7.5% limit"
is used to refer to 7.5% of your
adjusted gross income. The phrase "subject to the 7.5% limit" is
also used. This phrase means that you must subtract 7.5% (.075) of
your adjusted gross income from your medical expenses to figure your
medical expense deduction.
Example.
Your adjusted gross income is $20,000, 7.5% of which is $1,500. You
paid medical expenses of $800. You cannot deduct any of your medical
expenses because they are not more than 7.5% of your adjusted gross
income.
Separate returns.
If you and your spouse live in a noncommunity property state and
file separate returns, each of you can include only the medical
expenses each actually paid. Any medical expenses paid out of a joint
checking account in which you and your spouse have the same interest
are considered to have been paid equally by each of you, unless you
can show otherwise.
Community property states.
If you and your spouse live in a community property state and file
separate returns, any medical expenses paid out of community funds are
divided equally. Each of you should include half the expenses. If
medical expenses are paid out of the separate funds of one spouse,
only the spouse who paid the medical expenses can include them. If you
live in a community property state, are married, and file a separate
return, see Publication 555,
Community Property.
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