I know it's a little early for this. Does anyone know about claiming the surgery on your taxes? When I first had it done they told me that I could claim up to $10,000. Is this correct? And does it include airfares ( I was banded in MX)? Thanks alot, Cathy

I claimed the cost of my banding on this past year's filing. My accountant told me that as long as it was medically necessary it was o.k. I asked him if co-morbidities counted & he said yes, as long as there was some diagnosis besides obesity. We also unfortunately had tons of other non-covered medical expense to claim. You have to ask your accountant about the plane-fare; I didn't even think of it.

When calculating your medical expense deduction, you are permitted to include travel expenses. But as with anything tax-related, you should ask your accountant for professional advice.

I wasn't diagnosed with obesity by a Dr. , but obviously I was. Would that be a problem, or maybe only if I got audited?

I wasn't diagnosed with obesity by a Dr. , but obviously I was. Would that be a problem, or maybe only if I got audited?

I was wondering this also....anyone know???

Actually, the IRS does NOT even require the documentation and it does not word it as obesity. It says "medically necessary" which a letter of a generic medical necessity can be gotten from your original band surgeon I am sure. Plus, you only need it if you are audited, not to file. Audits are 5% of the US taxpayer population.

The rule also does not stipulate it must be done in the US. Although, I am sure that one may be coming soon.

Hi,

You can deduct expenses (including transportation etc) for your surgery as long as you have a diagnosis of obesity. Please read IRS publication 502 to get all your answers. Be sure to speak with your accountant about surgery in Mexico or out of the country , as this only cover legal surgeries. Not sure if that makes a difference.

http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc502.html

Click on publication 502 link in this document.

hope this helps

it reads

You may deduct only the amount by which your total medical care expenses for the year exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income

So, does this mean if I make 30,000 I can deduct anything over 2,250?? I didn't see anything about claiming up to $10,000. I know i've spent more then that.

The way I read it that is what it means.

Cathycat,

It means that the first $2,250.00 (if you make $30,000.00) of your costs are not deductible. The rest you can claim. Just check to see if there is a capoff. If there is you can deduct anything that exceeds the capoff on next year's taxes. I don't recall ever running across a capoff though during tax season.

Roxanne

bump bump bump

Ok, I guess the fact that I work for H&R Block might actually help someone this year! Most of the information given here is correct.

If you are worried about being audited get your Dr to write obesity as a diagnosis on your next visit, PCP or surgeon, doesn't matter. The requirement is "medically necessary", but with the IRS today that means OTC medicines like tylenol and prilosec as well.

Yes, you can claim mileage, but you will only get a percentage of it back. And ALL of your medical expenses are subject to a .075 of your AGI exclusion. So yes, if you make 30K, the first 2250 is excluded. Keep in mind that if you are going to itemize, do it up right! Medical insurance premiums, OTC medications, mileage, claim it all. Also make sure you claim mortgage interest, ad valorem taxes on cars and boats, state taxes paid in, charitable deductions, and any employee business expenses on your schedule A as well. It will maximize the benefit of claiming the medical.

Thanks Kristi for the info.! Thanks for bumping this Cathy!

I'm getting all my tax things ready waiting on one last W2. Just another question, can I claim my friend's airfare that came along with me to Mexico that I paid for. I didn't think so, but just checking to be sure! Thanks

Do you work for H&RB field or corporate? I was at corporate for several years, just left for another company this year. Still have many friends there.

I'm getting all my tax things ready waiting on one last W2. Just another question, can I claim my friend's airfare that came along with me to Mexico that I paid for. I didn't think so, but just checking to be sure! Thanks

Was the friend's presence really medically necessary? Or could you have managed on your own? That's the acid test. If the friend was, say, an attendant you need to assist because of mobility issues, you might be able to make the medical necessity claim. Otherwise, no.