Question:
I'm self pay - is the procedure deductable on Federal Taxes
I don't trust the IRS to answer accurately. Is WLS deductable or is it considered (by the Feds) to be cosmetic surgery primarily for the improvement of appearance. Specifically, weight loss programs are not deductable. I was looking at http://ftp.fedworld.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p502.pdf and couldn't figure it out. — David S. (posted on October 7, 1999)
October 7, 1999
If you fit the criteria (BMI>40) then WLS is medical care not cosmetic.
I think that the IRS has a limit that the medical expenses have to be
over,
like 5 or 7.5% of net income for them to be deductible expenses, but given
that restriction, then WLS should be deductible. Of course the only
opinion
that matters is the IRS's.
— Bruce B.
October 7, 1999
I do not think the IRS would consider wls a cosmetic surgery. if you meet
all the criteria then there is nothing cosmetic about it. it is only
deductable if it is more than 7.5% of your AGI. if you would like i can
ask my tax professor next week. email me if you do not find any definite
answer and i will find out for you.
lorinda
[email protected]
— Lorinda M.
October 7, 1999
I work for a tax preparation place.If a doctor considers it medically
necessary to perform the surgery it would be deductivle otherwise its
cosmetic. if you were audited you would need a statement from the doctor.
— snicklefritz
October 7, 1999
I am a preparer in california. Yes, this is a medical exp.
you can use on your 1040 Sch-A(itemized deductions).
But understand the 7.5% exclusion kicks in first. So the
Cost of the WLS may not be 100% deductible on your case but
almost all of it would be. Please note do not forget
all the "pre-op" exp. also is deductible. (test, travel,
Dr. visits, consultations) etc. plus your other medical
exp. including ins. co-pay, etc.
email me i will help is I can.
— Robin S.
October 7, 1999
Yes it is deductible....if the surgery was medically necessary....that the
key words.
Does the weight hurt you or add to a problem you my have. Like Heart,
lungs, bladder, bones...etc..
If you are having the surgery only for cosmetic reasons than no. But there
are not to many people
who are over 100 lbs, and are not having any problems at all....soooo
really think about how the pounds
are bothering you.
— [Anonymous]
October 7, 1999
This is NOT cosmetic surgery. Out of Pocket Medical Expenses are
deductible on your tax return.
— Sherrie G.
October 10, 1999
If it can be proven medically necessary then you should be able to deduct
it from your federal taxes. It is not cosmetic surgery. If you have any
doubts have your surgeon write a letter to you like he would your insurance
company claiming medical necessity. I am going to claim all my expenses
that the insurance company doesn't pay.
— bperrin
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