Navigating tax software can sometimes feel like a maze, especially when you need to make corrections. If you've entered medical expenses into TurboTax and now realize you need to delete them – perhaps they were entered in error, or you've decided to take the standard deduction instead – don't fret! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you can confidently manage your tax return.
Ready to Tidy Up Your Taxes? Let's Begin!
Before we dive in, remember that deleting medical expenses is often necessary if you find that the standard deduction is more beneficial for you than itemizing. Medical expenses are only deductible if they exceed 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) AND you choose to itemize your deductions. For many taxpayers, the standard deduction provides a greater tax benefit.
Important Note: The steps can vary slightly depending on whether you're using TurboTax Online or the Desktop (CD/Download) version. We'll cover both scenarios.
Step 1: Accessing Your TurboTax Return
First things first, you need to get into your tax return.
Sub-heading: Logging In (TurboTax Online Users)
If you're using TurboTax Online:
Go to the TurboTax website and log in to your account.
Once logged in, you should see an option to "Open/Continue your return". Click on this to access your current tax filing.
Sub-heading: Opening Your File (TurboTax Desktop Users)
If you're using the CD/Download version of TurboTax:
Open the TurboTax software on your computer.
Select the tax file you wish to work on. It will usually be named something like "YourName_20XX_TaxReturn.tax" (where XX is the tax year).
Step 2: Navigating to the Medical Expenses Section
Now that you're in your return, you need to find the specific area where medical expenses are recorded. There are a few ways to do this.
Sub-heading: Using the Search Bar (Recommended for Quick Access)
This is often the quickest and most efficient way to jump directly to the medical expenses section.
Look for a "Search" icon or bar usually located in the top right corner of your TurboTax screen (for Online) or at the top of the interface (for Desktop).
Type "medical expense" (or "medical expenses") into the search bar.
A drop-down menu or list of results should appear. Look for a link like "Jump to medical expense" or "medical expenses, sch a" and click on it.
Sub-heading: Manually Navigating Through Deductions & Credits
If the search bar isn't your preferred method, you can navigate there manually.
For TurboTax Online:
On the left-hand panel, click on "Tax Tools".
From the drop-down menu, select "Tools".
In the "Tools Center" box, you might see options like "Deductions & Credits." If not, look for a general summary of your tax return or a main menu.
Click on "Federal" (if applicable) and then "Deductions & Credits".
Scroll down the list until you find the "Medical" section.
Look for "Medical Expenses" and click on "Start", "Edit", or "Update" next to it.
For TurboTax Desktop:
At the top of the screen, click on "Federal Taxes" (or "Personal" depending on your version).
Then, click on "Deductions & Credits".
You may need to select "I'll choose what I work on" if presented with that option.
Scroll down until you see the "Medical" section.
Select "Start/Update" to the right of "Medical Expenses".
Step 3: Identifying and Deleting Individual Entries
Once you're in the medical expenses section, you'll likely see a summary of the expenses you've already entered.
Sub-heading: Reviewing Your Medical Expense Summary
You should be on a screen titled something like "Medical Expense Summary" or similar.
Here, you'll see a list of the medical expenses you've previously entered, categorized by type (e.g., prescription medications, doctor visits, hospital fees, etc.).
Carefully review each entry to identify the specific one(s) you wish to delete.
Sub-heading: Deleting the Entries
Next to each individual medical expense entry, you should see an option to "Edit" or "Delete".
Click on "Delete" for the specific expense you want to remove.
TurboTax will usually prompt you with a confirmation message asking if you are sure you want to delete the entry. Confirm by selecting "Yes" or "Delete".
Repeat this process for all medical expense entries you wish to remove.
Step 4: Deleting the Entire Medical Expenses Worksheet (If Necessary)
Sometimes, simply deleting individual entries isn't enough, or you might want to start fresh with the entire medical expense section. In such cases, deleting the underlying "Medical Expenses Worksheet" is the most thorough approach.
Sub-heading: For TurboTax Online Users
While in your return, go back to the left-hand panel.
Click on "Tax Tools".
Select "Tools" from the drop-down.
In the "Tools Center" pop-up box, look for and click on "Delete a Form".
A list of all forms in your return will appear. Scroll down until you find the "Medical Expenses Worksheet". It might also be labeled as "Schedule A Worksheet" if it's integrated.
Click on the "Delete" button next to the "Medical Expenses Worksheet".
Confirm the deletion when prompted.
Sub-heading: For TurboTax Desktop (CD/Download) Users
In the top right corner of your TurboTax screen, click on "Forms" to switch to "Forms Mode".
On the left-hand panel, you'll see a list of all the forms in your return. Scroll down and locate the "Medical Expenses Worksheet".
Once selected, the form will appear in the main window on the right.
Look for a "Delete Form" button, usually near the bottom left of the right panel.
Click "Delete Form".
A confirmation box will appear. Select "Yes" to confirm the deletion of the form.
Step 5: Reviewing Your Changes
After deleting the medical expenses, it's crucial to review your tax return to ensure the changes have been applied correctly and to understand their impact.
Sub-heading: Checking Your Itemized vs. Standard Deduction
After deleting the medical expenses, TurboTax will automatically re-evaluate whether the standard deduction or itemized deductions are more advantageous for you.
Navigate to the section where TurboTax informs you about your chosen deduction (often found near the end of the Deductions & Credits section or during the review process).
Confirm that TurboTax has now selected the standard deduction if that's what you intended, or if your itemized deductions (without medical expenses) are now lower than the standard deduction.
Sub-heading: Previewing Your 1040 and Schedule A
For TurboTax Online:
Go to "Tax Tools" on the left menu bar.
Select "Tools".
Choose "View Tax Summary".
On the left, click "Preview my 1040". You can also usually find options to view Schedule A.
For TurboTax Desktop:
Switch back to "Forms Mode" (if you were in it).
Locate Form 1040 and Schedule A (Itemized Deductions) in the left panel.
Review these forms to ensure that the medical expenses are no longer listed or that the amounts have been adjusted as expected. On Schedule A, the medical expense deduction (line 4) should reflect the deletion.
Sub-heading: Running Smart Check / Review
Always run the TurboTax "Smart Check" or "Review" feature after making significant changes to your return. This helps catch any inconsistencies or errors that might have arisen.
Step 6: Proceeding with Your Tax Filing
Once you've successfully deleted the medical expenses and reviewed your return, you can confidently continue with the filing process.
If you're satisfied with your changes, proceed to the "File" section of TurboTax.
Follow the prompts to e-file your return or print it for mailing.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to know if I should delete medical expenses on TurboTax?
You should consider deleting medical expenses if your total itemized deductions (including medical expenses) are less than the standard deduction for your filing status. TurboTax usually prompts you with the more beneficial option, but reviewing your situation helps confirm.
How to find the "Delete a Form" option in TurboTax Online?
In TurboTax Online, the "Delete a Form" option is typically found under "Tax Tools" (on the left menu) and then "Tools" in the pop-up "Tools Center."
How to delete a single medical expense entry in TurboTax?
To delete a single entry, navigate to the medical expenses summary screen (via search or manual navigation) and look for an "Edit" or "Delete" button next to each individual expense line item. Click "Delete" and confirm.
How to switch from itemized deductions to the standard deduction in TurboTax?
TurboTax generally handles this automatically based on your entered deductions. If you delete itemized deductions (like medical expenses) and your remaining itemized total falls below the standard deduction, TurboTax will default to the standard. You can also sometimes force the change in the "Deductions & Credits" summary section, looking for an option to "Change my deduction."
How to ensure medical expenses are completely removed from my TurboTax return?
To ensure complete removal, it's best to delete the entire "Medical Expenses Worksheet" as outlined in Step 4. This clears all associated entries and calculations.
How to re-enter medical expenses if I deleted them by mistake?
If you accidentally deleted them, you can go back to the "Deductions & Credits" section, then "Medical Expenses," and click "Start" or "Update" to re-enter your information. If you deleted the worksheet, it will essentially restart the interview for that section.
How to view my Schedule A in TurboTax to confirm deletions?
In TurboTax Online, use "Tax Tools" > "Tools" > "View Tax Summary" > "Preview my 1040" and then look for Schedule A. In Desktop, switch to "Forms" mode and locate "Schedule A (Form 1040)" in the left panel.
How to resolve "needs review" message for medical expenses after making changes in TurboTax?
Running the "Smart Check" or "Review" feature after making changes often clears up "needs review" messages. If it persists, double-check that you've answered all questions in the medical expenses section, even if it's with zero amounts or "N/A."
How to get help from TurboTax support if I'm stuck?
If you're still having trouble, you can typically find a "Help" or "Support" link within TurboTax. This will lead you to their online community forums, knowledge base, or options to contact customer support directly (via chat or phone), depending on your product and service level.
How to understand the 7.5% AGI threshold for medical expenses?
The 7.5% AGI threshold means you can only deduct the amount of qualified medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income. For example, if your AGI is $50,000, only the medical expenses over $3,750 ($50,000 * 0.075) can be deducted. This calculation is done automatically by TurboTax on Schedule A.
