COSMETIC SURGERY & TAX

Information about the IRS and medical tax deductions at the time of cosmetic surgery?

Sooner or later most people wonder if they can deduct the cost of their cosmetic surgery from their taxes. Unfortunately you cannot but that does not mean that some of your medical costs may not qualify. Rules change frquently and this is only a guide at the time it was written. Your best advise is your accountant.

Remember you can only count the amount of your medical and dental expenses that is more than 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income.

Here is a list of a few of the things that may qualify:
• contacts and cleaning solution
• prescriptions including birth control pills
• expenses at hospitals during medical treatment, including meals and lodging
• some medical services from doctors, dentists, etc.
• medical and hospital insurance premiums
• oxygen
• stop-smoking programs
• prescribed weight-loss programs
• transportation for needed medical care

The IRS usually excludes as medical deductions these items:
• bottled water
• vitamins
• health club dues
• household help (even if recommended by your doctor)
• mnon-prescription medicines
• cosmetic surgery
• toiletries
• cosmetics

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