Now that we’ve received our forms for this tax season, it’s time to start thinking about filing our taxes. When you’re filing, it’s important to figure out what expenses you can claim so you can save you and your family money. When it comes to tax deductions, remember that dental expenses, like medical expenses, are tax deductible when they meet the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) criteria.
What Dental Expenses Are Tax Deductible?
You can claim dental expenses on your taxes if the services you paid for were for the prevention or treatment of dental disease. Some of the dental services that are listed as being tax deductible are:
- Dental Checkups
- Teeth Cleanings
- Dental X-Rays
- Dental Sealants
- Fluoride Treatments
- Dental Fillings
- Tooth Extractions
- Dentures
- Braces
On top of the dental expenses we’ve listed, you can also file travel expenses for your trips to and from the dentist. This can include gas bills from driving to the dentist, bus tickets, or a plane ticket if you had to fly to see a dental specialist.
Another deductible expense is prescription medication. If you buy a prescription after your dental operation, and the medicine wasn’t covered by insurance, you can claim the expense on your taxes. So, throughout the year remember to save your receipts!
What Dental Expenses Are Not Tax Deductible?
Cosmetic dentistry is not eligible for tax deductions. Any dental procedure that’s specifically for cosmetic purposes, such as porcelain veneers and professional teeth whitening, is not tax deductible. At-home dental hygiene tools also fall into the category of non-deductible expenses, such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, and other teeth cleaning tools.
If you have more questions, we recommend checking out the IRS’s Interactive Tax Assistant which walks you through whether or not you can deduct certain medical and dental expenses. If you have any other questions related to our services or your dental health, the South Texas Smiles team would be happy to help—just contact us!
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