Suppose you pay premiums for Medicare health insurance. In that case, you may combine them with other qualifying expenses and claim them as an itemized deduction for medical expenses on your tax return. This includes amounts for “Medigap” insurance and Medicare Advantage plans, which cover some costs that Medicare Parts A and B don’t cover.

Generally, you can deduct medical expenses only if you itemize deductions and only to the extent that total qualifying healthcare expenses exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. But, if you’re a self-employed person or a shareholder-employee of an S corporation, you can generally claim an above-the-line deduction for your health insurance premiums, including Medicare premiums. That means it’s not necessary for you to itemize deductions to get the tax savings.

Contact the office with questions about claiming medical expense deductions on your personal tax return. Also, be sure to ask for help identifying an optimal overall tax-planning strategy based on your individual circumstances.