# 5 Little-Known Senior Tax Deductions in 2026
Seniors have access to tax deductions many overlook, and the IRS permits them if you meet specific requirements and maintain proper documentation.
The first deduction covers certain medical expenses. Seniors can deduct qualified medical costs that exceed 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income. This includes equipment like hearing aids, dentures, and prescription glasses. If you paid $5,000 in medical expenses and your AGI is $60,000, you can deduct $500 (the amount above the 7.5 percent threshold of $4,500).
Home modifications for accessibility qualify as medical deductions under IRS guidelines. Installing grab bars, ramps, or widening doorways for mobility issues counts. The IRS requires documentation proving medical necessity. Your doctor's letter stating the modification treats a specific condition strengthens your claim.
Long-term care insurance premiums carry age-based deduction limits. For those 71 and older, the IRS allows up to $5,460 in deductible premiums for 2026. You must itemize deductions to claim this benefit rather than taking the standard deduction.
Mileage for medical transportation also qualifies. The standard mileage rate for medical-related driving is lower than business mileage but still deductible. Track every trip to your doctor, dentist, or hospital with dates and distances.
Prescription medications and over-the-counter items you use to treat diagnosed conditions count as deductible medical expenses. Keep receipts and maintain a log linking purchases to your condition.
The critical element across all these deductions is documentation. The IRS wants proof that expenses treat a medical condition, not cosmetic preferences. Obtain written confirmation from your healthcare provider when claiming disability-related expenses.
Itemizing deductions rather than