WLS is tax deductible...

Hello Fellow Marchers! I'm going to break a little rule here and post a link to another site. It's one my DH (a tax accountant) emailed to me just a bit ago. WLS is now tax deductible. This will really help those who are self-pays or even who have high deductibles. You can deduct your mileage to and from all appointments, any turnpike fees and your out-of-pocket co-pays for deductibles. Even approved medications etc. Go to this link to read more: http://cbs2.com/national/Taxes-WeightLossQA-aa/resources_news_html Carrie Carrie Quite Contrary (a/k/a CCQC) 8 Days and a Wake Up to a New Life! March Elevener and PROUD to be a Marcher in Newpouch, USA Offishal Assistant Paper Monkey and Secretary Extaordinaire AND Offishal Keeper of the Marcher Title Duty Roster My Angel ==> Amber W. My Angelettes ==> Joann B. , LaDonna D. , Marcie F.

Wow...way cool! I've saved every receipt for EVERYthing since I started this journey, just curious to see what it will end up costing me. Since last year's taxes are already done, I'll at least be able to use it this year. T'anx, toots!! Kimmer Queen of the Niners, Instigator to All Marchers, High Priestess of Giggles Zero-minus-6 and 3 workdays!

Hey Kimmer Queen Instigator and High Preistess! You may have last years taxes done already but it is possible to file an amended return. If you file an amended return you could get more money back. You should talk to whomever files your taxes for you because you may want to do this. I don't know when they started this though, it may have just started so you should definately ask your tax preparer. Come to think of it I think I will pose that question to my DH and see what he says. Get back to you on that. Carrie Carrie Quite Contrary (a/k/a CCQC) 8 Days and a Wake Up to a New Life! March Elevener and PROUD to be a Marcher in Newpouch, USA Offishal Assistant Paper Monkey and Secretary Extaordinaire AND Offishal Keeper of the Marcher Title Duty Roster My Angel ==> Amber W. My Angelettes ==> Joann B. , LaDonna D. , Marcie F.

This info might help. Taken from irs.gov website Standard mileage rate. The standard mileage rate allowed for out-of-pocket expenses for a car when you use it for medical reasons is 12 cents a mile for 2003. See Transportation under What Medical Expenses Are Includible. Deduction threshold. Even if you have medical and dental expenses, you may not be able to claim a deduction for those expenses. This is because you can deduct only the part of your medical and dental expenses that is more than 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. Obesity as a disease. The cost of participation in a weight-loss program as a treatment for the disease of obesity is an amount paid for medical care. However, the cost of purchasing reduced-calorie diet foods is not a medical expense if these foods substitute for food you would normally consume to satisfy your nutritional requirements. For more information, see Weight-Loss Program under What Medical Expenses are Includible and under What Expenses Are Not Includible. http://www.irs.gov/publications/p502/index.html Weight-Loss Program You can include in medical expenses amounts you pay to lose weight if it is a treatment for a specific disease diagnosed by a physician (such as obesity, hypertension, or heart disease). This includes fees you pay for membership in a weight reduction group and attendance at periodic meetings. You cannot include membership dues in a gym, health club, or spa as medical expenses, but you can include separate fees charged there for weight loss activities. You cannot include the cost of diet food or beverages in medical expenses because the diet food and beverages substitute for what is normally consumed to satisfy nutritional needs. You can include the cost of special food in medical expenses only if: 1. The food does not satisfy normal nutritional needs, 2. The food alleviates or treats an illness, and 3. The need for the food is substantiated by a physician. The amount you can include in medical expenses is limited to the amount by which the cost of the special food exceeds the cost of a normal diet. See also Weight-Loss Program under What Expenses Are Not Includible, later. Weight-Loss Program You cannot include in medical expenses the cost of a weight-loss program if the purpose of the weight loss is the improvement of appearance, general health, or sense of well-being. You cannot include amounts you pay to lose weight unless the weight loss is a treatment for a specific disease diagnosed by a physician (such as obesity, hypertension, or heart disease). This includes fees you pay for membership in a weight reduction group and attendance at periodic meetings. Also, you cannot include membership dues in a gym, health club, or spa. You cannot include the cost of diet food or beverages in medical expenses because the diet food and beverages substitute for what is normally consumed to satisfy nutritional needs. You cannot include the cost of special food in medical expenses unless all three of the following requirements are met. 1. The food does not satisfy normal nutritional needs. 2. The food alleviates or treats an illness. 3. The need for the food is substantiated by a physician. The amount you can include in medical expenses is limited to the amount by which the cost of the special food exceeds the cost of a normal diet. Hope this helps. This information is for filing 2003 taxes. Carrie Carrie Quite Contrary (a/k/a CCQC) 8 Days and a Wake Up to a New Life! March Elevener and PROUD to be a Marcher in Newpouch, USA Offishal Assistant Paper Monkey and Secretary Extaordinaire AND Offishal Keeper of the Marcher Title Duty Roster My Angel ==> Amber W. My Angelettes ==> Joann B. , LaDonna D. , Marcie F.

Thanks so much for the info - I have all my receipts.