I made $0 this year and had $24,000 in medical expenses. Can I get a tax refund from this?

Submitted by greencymbeline t3_12820uv in personalfinance

I have been researching this but can’t seem to find a clear answer. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Background: I’m married, and we tried filing together but the medical expenses made no difference. So we’re trying to file separately to see if I can get a higher refund, but I’m still working on it. I’m wondering if it even makes any sense to try.

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PugnaciousPaw t1_jegutog wrote

You expect a refund from zero income and arguably no taxes withheld?

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BaltimoreBee t1_jegxolf wrote

No, no you can’t. Medical expenses are a deduction not a credit. They can reduce the taxes you owe. They can’t generate a refund from paying no taxes.

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[deleted] t1_jegzxpr wrote

Where do you think this refund money would be coming from if you made $0?

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wanttostayhidden t1_jegujo4 wrote

Probably won't see any benefits from your medical expenses then. You have to itemize to claim medical expenses. If filing separately and one of you itemizes, then the other person must as well. You will probably owe more or have a smaller refund if you file separately.

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castzpg t1_jegvtqq wrote

If you had no income is better to file jointly. Medical is limited by income. Since you had no income you will not get a refund.

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