Can I claim cosmetic surgery as a medical expense when doing my taxes?

No. Medical means necessary for health problems. Cosmetic means for making you look better and is optional. IRS will deny the write off.Can I claim cosmetic surgery as a medical expense when doing my taxes?
Generally, you cannot include in medical expenses the amount you pay for unnecessary cosmetic surgery. This includes any procedure that is directed at improving the patient's appearance and does not meaningfully promote the proper function of the body or prevent or treat illness or disease. You generally cannot include in medical expenses the amount you pay for procedures such as face lifts, hair transplants, hair removal (electrolysis), and liposuction.





You can include in medical expenses the amount you pay for cosmetic surgery if it 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.





Example.





An individual undergoes surgery that removes a breast as part of treatment for cancer. She pays a surgeon to reconstruct the breast. The surgery to reconstruct the breast corrects a deformity directly related to the disease. The cost of the surgery is includible in her medical expenses.


Christine EA Master Tax Advisor





This advice was prepared based on our understanding of the tax law in effect at the time it was written as it applies to the facts that you provided.





http://www.hrblock.com/tax_professionals鈥?/a>Can I claim cosmetic surgery as a medical expense when doing my taxes?
Dear X: Depending on your occupation it maybe deductable. If you are an actress and cosmetic surgery helps you get a better part in a movie or make more income you would have an argument for deducting the surgery. If you are like most of us 9-5 people, then NO! If you are a TV news personality, well I guess you can get the drift.





This advice was prepared based on our understanding of the tax law in effect at the time it was written as it applies to the facts that you provided. Click on my profile to read more. Errol Quinn Enrolled Agent Master Tax Advisor
not unless it's to correct a birth defect or accident scarring/trauma
No.