Can you claim dental expenses on tax?

If you’ve visited the dentist and had any dental procedure done, you would know how expensive it can be. Dental care in Canada can get really expensive, especially for those people who don’t have private insurance or employer coverage. Whether it is a simple routine cleaning or major procedures, the one thing that people commonly ask is: Can I claim dental expenses on my taxes in Canada?

The short answer to this question is yes! Certain dental expenses can be claimed on your tax return under the Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC). This is a comprehensive guide that will explain in detail what you need to know – how dental expenses can be claimed, what qualifies, who can claim them, and tips to maximize your tax savings.

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What Is The Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC)?

METC is a non-refundable federal tax credit that helps to reduce the amount of income tax that you owe when you have eligible medical expenses, including valid dental costs.

Since it is non-refundable, you won’t get a cash refund. However, a benefit is that it can significantly bring down your tax payable. In most provinces and territories of Canada, a corresponding provincial medical expense tax credit is also offered. So, a combination of these two increases your overall tax relief.

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Are Dental Expenses Tax-Deductible?

The most commonly asked question related to dental expenses is: Are dental expenses tax-deductible in Canada? No, they are not tax-deductible, but they are eligible for a tax credit. Let’s understand this distinction.

• A tax deduction reduces your taxable income
• A tax credit, on the other hand, reduces the actual tax that you owe

Dental costs fall under the secondary category umbrella and are claimed as part of the medical expense tax credit. You can get in touch with Taxccount Canada tax specialists to understand in detail about this tax credit.

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Eligible Dental Expenses That You Can Claim

There is a wide range of dental services and expenses that can be claimed, as per the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). This is provided that these procedures and services are performed by a licensed dentist or a dental professional.

The most common eligible dental expenses are –

• Routine dental examination and cleaning
• Filling and fluoride treatment
• Crowns, bridges, and dentures
• Root canal treatment
• Dental implant
• Tooth extraction
• Orthodontic treatment (including braces)
• Periodontal treatments
• Preventive dental care procedures

Usually, if the procedure is medically necessary and is done by a qualified practitioner, it is eligible for tax claims.

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Dental Expenses That You Cannot Claim

So, there are some dental expenses that do not qualify to be claimed. The following expenses are not eligible –

• Teeth whitening for cosmetic procedures
• Missed appointment fees
• Costs reimbursed by insurance
• Over-the-counter dental products (like toothpaste, toothbrush, floss)

You can only claim the part of the payment that you personally paid and were not reimbursed for.

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Who Can You Claim Dental Expenses For?

You can claim eligible dental expenses paid for –

• Yourself
• Your spouse or common-law partner
• Your or your spouse’s dependent children under the age of 18 years
• Other dependents (like parents or grandparents), provided that they meet the CRA dependency rules

One of the most important requirements is that you should have paid the dental expenses, and that the individual must qualify as your dependent under the CRA guidelines.

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What Time Period Can You Claim Dental Expenses For?

You can claim eligible dental expenses paid during any 12 months ending in that particular year. Keep in mind that the expenses must not have been claimed in a previous year.

With this kind of flexibility, taxpayers can usually group the expenses in a strategic way to exceed the minimum threshold and maximize their credit. To get more customized solutions on the same, you can get in touch with the Taxccount Canada tax specialists.

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How Much Dental Expense Can You Claim?

For the federal medical expense tax credit, you can claim the part of the total eligible medical expenses that exceeds the lesser of –

• 3% of your net income or
• A fixed annual threshold that’s set by the CRA

Only the amount that’s above this threshold qualifies for the credit. This is why it is recommended to combine multiple medical and dental expenses in a single 12-month period for maximum benefit.

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How To Claim Dental Expenses On Your Tax Return?

Dental expenses are claimed on –

• Line 33099 – for yourself, your spouse, and dependent children under the age of 18 years
• Line 33199 – for other eligible dependents

Make sure to keep all the documents and receipts handy, including –

• Dentist invoices
• Proof of payment
• Insurance statements showing reimbursements

While these receipts are not submitted with your tax return, the CRA may request them later for verification. So, it is best to keep them safe and handy.

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Tips To Maximize Your Dental Tax Credits

Follow these smart tips to get the most from your claim –

• Combine different expenses
  It is best to group dental, medical, vision, and prescription costs into one 12-month period.
• Claim on the lower-income spouse’s return
  When you do this, it often results in a larger credit.
• Keep all the records
  Keep all the documents and receipts safe and organized to make CRA reviews hassle-free.
• Track insurance reimbursements
  Keep a track of insurance reimbursements and only claim what you actually paid for.
• Provincial dental credits and benefits
  Many Canadian residents don’t know that, in addition to the federal credit, provinces and territories provide their own medical expense tax credits to their citizens. Some provinces also offer targeted dental programs or benefits for senior citizens, children, or low-income families, which may affect how much you can claim.

You can seek guidance from Taxccount Canada’s tax accountants. If you have any confusion regarding the eligibility and procedure to claim your dental expenses, then the team can help you. We aim to make the most of every credit that you’re entitled to, so that you don’t leave any money on the table.