The new year is set to bring in an unwelcome surprise for many seniors in America when it comes to their taxes. Those 65 and older who itemize their medical expenses will now only be able to claim a deduction once their cost reaches 10% of their Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)- up from 7.5% in previous years. This change technically went into effect on December 31, 2012, but if a senior or their spouse reached the age of 65 between then and December 31, 2016, the 7.5% rate was then locked-in for that time period due to a large opposition from seniors carrying the highest burden of medical bills. However, this all changes on January 1, 2017 when the 10% cut-off for medical expenses becomes the rule, not the exception, for everyone.
