Tax Deduction for Hair Restoration?

[fakeplstctrees]

Hello my glossy headed friends, I have a question. I think I already know the answer, and am kind of embarrassed for asking; but can I deduct the cost of my HT surgery when I file my tax return in 2012? With the general increase in the cost of healthcare, for example my new HSA through my employer having a $3,000 deductible and $6,000 out of pocket max, it would be nice to catch a break. Does anyone know the answer to this? I hope all are well as Thanksgiving is approaching.

-Trees

[fakeplstctrees]

Is there any way of doing this, without negative repercussions. I mean the receipt is not remotely specific as to the procedure. It just has the name of the 'Dermatology practice" on it.

[aaron1234]

Doubt it. It's an elective procedure. No insurance is going to cover that.

[Spanker]

I think you could an used it as a medical expense if it equals up to 10 percent of your annual income. I have not read the tax laws. Any one else?

[fakeplstctrees]

Medical expenses are deductible if the annual total is more than 7.5% of you adjusted gross income. Elective surgeries are not usually considered eligible as they are not medically necessary. But that is open to great interpretation. A model, or actor can do it, as their income is derived from their appearance. So a procedure to enhance their appearance is eligible. There are many other loopholes I am assuming.

 

Aaron1234, just because insurance doesn't cover a procedure, or other medical expense does not exclude it from being tax deductible. I have many doctors that I see that are not in my insurance comapnies network, so I have to pay out of pocket to see them. You can bet your ass that I am deducting those costs on my tax return.

 

My main question is, has anyone actually done this, or knows of someone who has done this? I think I am eligible to do it, as I am pursuing an acting career, and my appearance is of paramount importance. I need to maintain a youthful appearance to get many roles, and being bald is not a youthful appearance.

[trapps99]

in ontario most any cosmetic surgery including hair restoration was tax deductible until about three years ago.....

[Mountinvan]

Bill is apt to remind us this is not a legal forum. US taxpayers should check out

Tax Topics - Topic 502 Medical and Dental Expenses where the IRS states:

"You may not deduct funeral or burial expenses, over-the-counter medicines, toothpaste, toiletries, cosmetics, a trip or program for the general improvement of your health, or most cosmetic surgery. You may not deduct amounts paid for nicotine gum and nicotine patches, which do not require a prescription"

[Spanker]

Bill is apt to remind us this is not a legal forum. US taxpayers should check out

Tax Topics - Topic 502 Medical and Dental Expenses where the IRS states:

"You may not deduct funeral or burial expenses, over-the-counter medicines, toothpaste, toiletries, cosmetics, a trip or program for the general improvement of your health, or most cosmetic surgery. You may not deduct amounts paid for nicotine gum and nicotine patches, which do not require a prescription"

 

 

Boooo.