Total US Centric Question - Tax Deductions

When I was filing taxes a few weeks ago, Art made the comment that we might be able to deduct my plastics next year since they'll definitely eclipse the "10% of gross income" or whatever it is that's required for deduction.

Is it possible to deduct plastic surgery expenses? My gut tells me that this is only allowable if the expenses are medically necessary. I assume that my plastic surgeon would be the one to write a justification for that? (My insurance has a "cosmetic surgery is NEVER covered" clause, so I'm not pursuing insurance for this which means I hadn't considered the whole "medically necessary" thing when talking with my plastic surgeon the first time.)

I don't want to derail your thread, but as a Canadian, I got curious as to my ability to claim my plastics as well...

Unfortunately, it looks like a no-go (from http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pub/tg/rc4065/rc4065-e.html#srvcs fs):

What are common medical expenses that you cannot claim?

There are some expenses that are commonly claimed as medical expenses in error. The expenses you cannot claim include the following:

• cosmetic surgery - expenses for purely cosmetic procedures including any related services and other expenses such as travel, incurred after March 4, 2010, cannot be claimed as medical expenses. Both surgical and non-surgical procedures purely aimed at enhancing one's appearance are not eligible.

  Non-eligible expenses include:
  • liposuction;
  • hair replacement procedures;
  • filler injections (for removing wrinkles);

  • teeth whitening.
    
    An expense may qualify as a medical expense if it is necessary for medical or reconstructive purposes, such as surgery to address a deformity related to a congenital abnormality, a personal injury resulting from an accident or trauma, or a disfiguring disease;

I was successful in claiming panni with upgrade to TT with a letter from my plastic surgeon indicating medically necessary. It is only one I have tried to claim.

Did your insurance pay for it?

As a fellow Canadian, I have read from others that if it is worded as "Reconstructive Surgery" presumably after massive weight loss, one may be able to claim it on Health Spending Accounts and for medical expenses on taxes. You will definitely need the receipt to be itemized and state "Reconstructive Surgery" but I have read of a few on FB boards with success, even post 2010. As other posters have said, you may have to fight for it and you may have to be willing to pay it back if audited, but I'd say it's worth a shot.

You're Probably Out of Luck

I looked at the IRS website and they have a tool you can use, but basically cosmetic surgery is not tax deductible. If the cosmetic surgery is "necessary to improve a deformity arising from, or directly related to, a congenital abnormality, a personal injury resulting from an accident or trauma, or a disfiguring disease" it could be deductible. (The words in quotes are taken from the IRS website.) Sorry to be the bearer of bad news...

Hm. The American Medical Association classifies obesity as a disease.

Good point - I suppose you would have to prove that it's a deformity due to the obesity. Definitely check with your doctor and see what he can do for you. Good luck!

It still sounds iffy. Has your PCP documented any rashes or back pain due to the skin? Any prescriptions for rash creams? I have not heard of anyone doing it for tax purposes.