Tax break?

[Pam]

Does anyone know if sleeve surgery in Mexico is tax deductible? And, can anyone tell me how to post those cute emoticons? I keep clicking on it and it puts the instead of the face.

[JenAndGiggles]

I would love to know if it is tax deductible. But since we are doing it in Mexico, I'm not so sure...

[itsmytime]

Wow, this is a great question. I would love to know.

[leilani]

Is it deductible if done in the US?

[bobbybeegood]

Yes, it is still tax deductible whether it is done in the US or outside the US. It's still a medical expense.

[RussianBlue_x2]

Surgery is tax deductible as a medical expense for people who self-pay and I cannot see anything in IRS Pub 502 that restricts deductions based on where the medical procedure was performed. Also, you can deduct the cost of weight loss programs, provided that you have a physician's recommendation and it is for the treatment of a disease (obesity is considered a disease).

Here is a link to the IRS Pub that covers deduction of medical expenses. OOPS I cannot post the link until I have made "15 posts or more" according to the forum. Just google this: IRS Pub 502 You can read what was allowable in 2010

[connie]

According to my tax guy surgeries are deductible, BUT all your health care has to reach a certain percent of your income before it can be applied.

[ToDream]

In Canada it is. Not sure about the states.

I can claim a portion (about $1000) through my provincial health care plan and then claim 17% of the remaining on my annual federal taxes. So I'm looking to get back about $2000.

[connie]

WOW---Good for you Cheryl!!!! Maybe you should take me on a vacation with you???????????? HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

[ToDream]

Knowing I could get about 1/3 of the cost back through my health plan and taxes was definitely something that pushed me into getting it done in the first place. I couldn't really use cost as a reason to not do it

[Pam]

Thanks for all the responses.

[BabyDoll]

Not only is it tax deductible but so is your airline ticket to get there.

[yankegal]

YES! it is tax deducatable, when you send your check or pay by cashiers check so you have your receipt. You can also claim mileage, hotel costs, but you need to check with your tax person, as some people are in different tax brackets. I had so much medical this yr, including all my RX, I will be getting a refund!!! yeah!! I checked into this before deciding.

[Msvetrn]

You have to have 7% of your adjusted gross income in medical bills to begin getting a tax break. For example, if your adjusted gross income is $50,000, you would need to have $3500 in medical bills to see a tax break. But, you can count all prescriptions, healthcare insurance premiums (unless they are pre-taxed), eyeglasses, dental work, co-pays at doctor's offices, hospital bills, necessary durable medical equipment and like YANKEGAL said, the mileage, hotel costs, etc associated with any medical procedure - but not meals. This will be the first time ever that I will get to use the medical deductions!!! I'm excited!!

[Charity]

Ohhh! I forgot about that. I did that when I had my lapband. If you do claim, make sure you get receipts for EVERYTHING you did this year. Go to the pharmacy and print out all your copays for meds, contacts, glasses receipts - you can even claim your flight to where you had your surgery. YAY. What a happy little surprise to be reminded of this!