Orthodontic costs of 1.02 million yen. The amount returned via medical expense deduction

When starting orthodontic treatment, what many people are concerned about is

“Can I use the medical expense deduction?”

Before I started orthodontics, I also only had a vague idea that

“it seems possible.”
Since I actually applied for it,

I will write about the reality of medical expense deductions for adult orthodontics.

What is a medical expense deduction in the first place?

A medical expense deduction is a system where a portion of your income tax is returned if the medical expenses you paid in one year (January 1st to December 31st) exceed a certain amount.

Basically,

Medical expenses − 100,000 yen

This amount becomes eligible for deduction.

※If your income is low, the calculation method changes slightly.

Dental treatment is also eligible, but
treatment for cosmetic (aesthetic) purposes is not eligible.

① Total cost of orthodontic treatment

My orthodontic costs were

1,028,500 yen

The breakdown was

・Down payment 165,000 yen
・Dental credit 863,500 yen

I received receipts for

• The down payment
• The dental credit
so I applied based on those.

It seems that when using a dental loan, you may not have the dental clinic's receipt on hand.

Even in that case,

• The dental loan contract
• The credit company's receipt
can be used for the medical expense deduction application if you have them.

② Orthodontics for cosmetic purposes are not eligible

Orthodontic treatment is not eligible if the purpose is only to improve appearance.

However,
• Chewing disorders (difficulty chewing)
• Speech disorders
• Bite problems

etc.,if it is diagnosed as treatment for functional improvementit is eligible.

My diagnosis was

“Chewing and speech disorders due to Angle Class II malocclusion with crowding and deviation,”

so it was eligible for the medical expense deduction.

③ What was needed

What I used for the application was
• Receipts for orthodontic costs
• Withholding tax slip

Since I am a company employee, these were the only two things.

Previously, it was necessary to submit receipts for medical expenses, but
nowsubmission is not required, and you just need to keep themon file.

④ Apply via e-Tax

I filed my tax return using e-Tax.

This was easier than I thought.

You just proceed by answering the questions in order.

For the withholding tax slip, I also
just took a photo and attached it.

It was quite different from the old image of “tax filing = difficult.”

⑤ The amount actually returned

The amount returned via medical expense deduction this time was

24,000 yen

.

It was deposited about
half a monthafter the filing was completed.

⑥ Impressions after trying it

To be honest,

it was much easier than I thought.

Since orthodontic costs are inevitably high,
if you are eligible for the medical expense deduction,
I think it is worth applying.

It is always nice to get even a little bit back.

Orthodontics is a big decision, but using systems like this makes you feel a little lighter.

※Conditions and calculation methods for medical expense deductions may vary depending on income and family circumstances.

Next, I will write about a somewhat unexpected change that occurred after starting orthodontics:the story of feeling like my sense of taste has dulled.