medical deductions?

Question

Okay, I've never had to do this because I've never had enough to deduct. Do I use the amount that I owe out-of-pocket and paid out-of-pocket for 2006. Or just what I've paid so far in medical expenses. Also my dad was sick and since I was next of kin I had to sign everything for him, can I claim those traveling expenses.

Answer 1

You cannot claim the travelking expenses for signing papers for your father.
You can deduct your out of pocket medical expenses that were paid in the 2006 tax year. They are subject to a minimum limit of I believe 2% of AGI (adjusted gross income) in other words you can deduct anything that exceeds 2% of your agi.
You need to itemize the medical expenses meaning you cannot take the standard deduction. So you need to see if the medical bills over 2% of agi exceed your standard deduction if you do not itemize.

Answer 2

You can't deduct the travel expenses to sign papers for your dad.

If you itemize, you can deduct medical expenses, for yourself or an eligible dependent, that you paid out of pocket in 2006 and weren't reimbursed for. You have to subtract 7.5% of your income from the medical expenses before you can deduct them - you can deduct the amount over that.

Answer 3

This is only out of pocket medical expenses paid.
Remember to keep track of medical mileage and if you had to transport a dependent or spouse to the medical provider, the pharmacy, specialist.....You can get print outs from your medical provider, pharmacy, labs etc. Dental, and Medical Supplies are sometimes deductions over looked. Also, sometimes physicians prescribe over the counter drugs and these are also deductible.

good luck & blessing