I have medical expenses that are not substantial enough deduct on my federal tax return. Can I deduct medical expenses on state taxes filed with my return?

You should be allowed to deduct medical expense on state taxes filed with your tax return. However, medical expenses allowed for deductions vary from state to state. Therefore you will have to confirm with your state tax office which medical deductions your state allows.

While you may feel that your medical expenses are not substantial enough to deduct from your federal tax return, if you itemize your tax return you may be able to included these medical expenses as well as other medical costs.

Some examples of medical expenses that may be included on your itemized tax return include:

Dental and vision care

Wellness or preventative care

Surgery and associated costs

Mental health care

Prescription medication

Contacts and glasses

If you itemize your tax return you will not be allowed to take the standard deduction. To determine which method benefits you the most – itemized deductions or the standard deduction – you will need to calculate your itemized deductions first. If your itemized deductions are greater than your standard deduction, then you should complete Form 1040, Schedule A. If the itemized deductions are less than your standard deduction, then your should take the standard deduction.