Can I deduct eyeglasses?

September 19, 2019 by Karen Thomas-Brandt, EA
Woman wearing eyeglasses

The short answer is “Yes.” However, as with most tax questions, the better answer is “It depends.” Medical expenses are deductible if they are paid for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of a disease or illness. So, if you are talking about “fashion” eyeglasses, then no, those are not deductible; however, prescription eyeglasses for correcting your vision are deductible as a medical expense on Schedule A, as long as you have NOT been reimbursed for the expense. To make it a little more complicated, medical expenses as a whole are deductible in 2018 only if they exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. Finally, if you choose to take the standard deduction rather than itemize because it is more beneficial, you will not get to take advantage of the eyeglass deduction.

For example, Joe, a single taxpayer with an adjusted gross income of $50,000, purchased a pair of prescription eyeglasses in 2018 for $200. With a filing status of single, Joe is entitled to a standard deduction of $12,000; however, with that standard deduction, there is no benefit of the eyeglass expense. If Joe wanted to deduct and benefit from the eyeglass expense, his total medical expenses (including the eyeglasses), would need to be $3750 or more ($50,000 * 7.5% = $3750). And his total itemized deductions would also need to exceed $12,000 (the standard deduction he would receive without itemizing).

SEARCH

 

Karen Thomas-Brandt, EA
Resource Manager

 

Karen Thomas-Brandt, EA, is a Resource Manager at TaxAudit, the largest and fastest-growing audit defense service in the country and the exclusive provider of TurboTax® Audit Defense. With more than 17 years in the tax field, Karen has prepared thousands of tax returns and defended hundreds of taxpayers in audits. In her current role, Karen specializes in coaching and mentoring tax professionals so that they have the skills to best represent our members and love where they work!


 

Recent Articles

Stack of books, graduation hat, and rolled up diploma
There are some tax-saving opportunities available for graduate school tuition, like the credits for undergraduate expenses. They each have some limitations.
Woman Reading Letter
The IRS sends out a CP14 notice to notify a taxpayer when they have unpaid taxes and/or penalties and interest. What should you do if you get a CP14?
Woman Shopping for Over the Counter Medications
When it comes to medications, you can only deduct the amounts that you pay for medicines or drugs that have been prescribed for you by a doctor.
April 2023 Calendar with Tax Day written on April 18th
In 2023 the tax returns are due April 18th for most taxpayers. However, if you live in California, Alabama, or Georgia your taxes may be due at a later date.
This blog does not provide legal, financial, accounting, or tax advice. The content on this blog is “as is” and carries no warranties. TaxAudit does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, and completeness of the content of this blog. Content may become out of date as tax laws change. TaxAudit may, but has no obligation to monitor or respond to comments.