medical expense - I did something dumb

Jan 19, 2008 2 Replies

I see a chiropractor twice a week. I have for the past four years. This year we had very large additional medical expenses. They were high enough so that there will be a significant deduction after the



7.5%.

The person working at the chiro's office suggested I might want to make a payment in advance so I could use it as a 2007 deduction. Unfortunately I didn't do my homework. I paid an extra $1000 in December.



Now, reading publication 509 I see that I cannot deduct payments made in 2007 for treatment received in 2008.



Question: will I be able to deduct that $1000 for 2008 (assuming our medical expenses are high enough) or have I screwed myself out of a $1000 deduction?


First, I'd go back and tell the receptionist (?) s/he should not be offer what amounted to tax advice, and request your prepayments back. If that makes you uncomfortable, just make sure that for each visit in 08, you receive a receipt stating 'paid in full'.

Does your employer offer a Flexible Spending Account? Too late for 08, but that's the best way to save on such an expense, as the whole cost becomes pretax, not just the amount over 7.5% AGI. JOE

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Pub 502 says nothing about that, but I would claim it in 2008 without anxiety. Assuming the chiro's bills use it up. Or I would ask the chiro's office for a refund.

Una

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