Medical expense tax credit

You can claim eligible medical costs for yourself, your spouse and dependants, above a threshold. For 2026, that threshold is the lesser of $2,890 or 3% of net income.

Common expenses include prescriptions, dental work, glasses, licensed therapy and some travel for care.

Net income is $50,000, so the threshold is $1,500. Costs of $4,000 leave $2,500 for the credit, worth $350 federally at 14%.

Tips

• Any 12-month period ending in the tax year can be used.
• The lower-income spouse can often get more from the claim.
• Premiums you paid for private health plans can count.
• You can only claim what was not reimbursed.
• Cosmetic procedures generally do not qualify.