Generally, glasses (prescription eyeglasses, contacts, etc.) are not tax-deductible as a personal expense. However, there are exceptions where you may be able to write them off as a medical expense or as a business expense in certain situations. Let’s break it down:
When You Can Write Off Glasses:
1. Medical Expense Deduction (For Personal Use):
If you have out-of-pocket medical expenses, including prescription glasses, you can potentially deduct them as part of your overall medical expenses. However, this deduction is subject to several important conditions:
- Itemized Deduction: You can only claim medical expenses if you itemize deductions on your tax return (using Schedule A).
- 7.5% of AGI Rule: You can only deduct the portion of your medical expenses (including eyeglasses) that exceeds 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI). For example, if your AGI is $50,000, you can only deduct medical expenses above $3,750.
Example:
- AGI = $50,000
- Total medical expenses = $5,000 (including $500 for prescription glasses)
- Deductible amount = $5,000 – $3,750 = $1,250
2. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs):
If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can use these funds to pay for prescription eyeglasses and contacts pre-tax. This won’t count as a deduction, but you’re effectively saving on taxes by using pre-tax dollars.
3. Business Expense (If Used for Work):
In very specific cases, eyeglasses could be considered a deductible business expense. This would typically apply if they are specialized glasses required for your job (e.g., safety goggles with prescription lenses, or glasses used for a particular business-related need). However, regular prescription eyeglasses are usually seen as a personal expense, even if you wear them at work.
Example: A welder who needs prescription safety goggles for their job might be able to deduct the cost as a business expense.
When You Can’t Write Off Glasses:
- Personal Eyeglasses: If your glasses are for general personal use (to correct vision), they are not directly deductible as a business expense, even if you wear them at work.
- Non-Prescription Glasses: Glasses that are non-prescription, such as reading glasses bought over-the-counter or blue light glasses for screen use, are considered personal and non-deductible.
Key Points:
- Medical Deduction: Prescription glasses can be part of a larger medical expense deduction, but only if you itemize and exceed the 7.5% AGI threshold.
- HSAs and FSAs: These are more tax-advantaged ways to pay for glasses.
- Business Expense: Only very specialized work-related glasses are deductible as a business expense.
Summary Table
| Scenario | Deductible? |
|---|---|
| Prescription glasses (as a personal expense) | Yes, as part of medical expenses if you itemize deductions |
| Non-prescription glasses (e.g., reading glasses) | No, not deductible |
| Glasses purchased through HSA/FSA | Yes, tax-advantaged (not technically a deduction) |
| Specialized glasses for work (e.g., safety goggles) | Possibly deductible as a business expense (if necessary for work) |
Final Tip:
If you’re planning to deduct glasses as part of medical expenses, make sure to keep receipts and carefully track all your medical expenses throughout the year to see if you meet the 7.5% of AGI threshold for itemizing.