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Is My Diet
Deductible
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Dieting can be expensive, especially if you join a weight loss program
or purchase special foods. As of April 2002, the Internal Revenue
Service recognized some weight loss expenses as tax deductible under
medical expenses. According to that ruling,
"...Uncompensated amounts paid by individuals for participation in a
weight-loss program as treatment for a specific disease or diseases
(including obesity) diagnosed by a physician are expenses for medical
care that are deductible under § 213, subject to the limitations of
that section." (IRS Ruling, April 2, 2002)
What does this mean to the average taxpayer? It means that the cost
of weight loss programs recommended by your physician for the treatment
of obesity, or conditions related to obesity MAY be deductible on your
taxes!
Who can deduct weight loss programs on their taxes?
In order to deduct the cost of your weight loss program under the 2002
ruling, you must itemize deductions on your taxes. You can deduct the
costs of weight loss treatment IF they are not reimbursed. In addition,
you can only deduct expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross
annual income.
Can I deduct my weight loss program if I'm not medically obese?
You may be able to deduct expenses even if you're not diagnosed as medically
obese. If your doctor has recommended weight loss as a treatment for
weight-related diseases such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, high
cholesterol or heart disease, you might be eligible.
What kinds of weight loss expenses are deductible?
You can deduct doctor-recommended treatments that are specific to weight
loss and maintenance. Those include, but aren't necessarily limited
to: bariatric surgery (stomach stapling or gastric bypass), FDA approved
weight loss drugs, hospital based programs, nutritionists, dieticians,
behavioral modification programs, exercise programs and even some commercial
weight loss programs like Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig.
What can't I deduct from my taxes?
Not allowed are: health club dues, nutritional supplements, over the
counter appetite suppressants, low fat foods, and exercise equipment.
Liposuction is also not included as it is regarded as cosmetic surgery.
How about weight maintenance programs?
Weight maintenance programs may be deductible if your doctor deems it
medically necessary to treat your condition. In other words, if maintaining
your weight is part of a medically recommended treatment, it could be
eligible.
Do I need documentation of my doctor's orders and expenses?
You don't need to submit documentation with your taxes, but it's wise
to keep the following in case of audit: you doctor's written recommendation
that you lose weight for treatment of a specific condition (and remember
that obesity is an official disease), and receipts for the all costs
that you deduct.
Can I still deduct the expenses if I didn't lose weight?
Yes. You don't need to show an improvement in your condition in order
to deduct the costs.
About The Author:
Peter Dobler successfully operates several web sites on the topic of
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