Is Cosmetic Surgery Tax Deductible?

Cosmetic surgery has become a popular choice for many people who experience signs of aging. However, there are many medical expenses and tax deductions that confuse patients and prevent them from seeking plastic surgery. So, is cosmetic surgery tax deductible?

In this article, we will elaborate on the deductible medical expenses and how they’ll affect your financial situation. We will also elaborate on the meaning of personal appearance expenses and their role in the process. This way, you’ll be more informed about your tax income and financial requirements for cosmetic surgery.

Continue reading to discover all there is to know about the personal appearance tax deduction and the various medical expenses of cosmetic procedures.

Is Cosmetic Surgery Tax Deductible?

Tax deductibles are expenses you may subtract from the adjusted gross income when completing tax forms. Many people seek deductibles because they reduce the taxable income, thus reducing the income taxes owed. On the other hand, cosmetic surgery falls under non-medical plastic surgeries used for improving personal appearance. So, can you deduct cosmetic surgery from your taxes?

As with any tax-related question, information about tax-deductible plastic surgery expenses can be found through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). They provide detailed lists of the requirements and amounts of each available deduction. Regarding medical expenses, the most important information can be found in Publication 502.

But is plastic surgery tax deductible? While plastic surgeries, like reconstruction procedures, can be deductible because they address the structure and function of the body, remember that cosmetic procedures are usually non-medical cases.

Thus, unnecessary cosmetic surgery is considered a non-deductible medical expense. Since these procedures usually fall under personal appearance expenses, there may be a way to get around the rules.

What Is a Personal Appearance Expense?

Personal appearance expenses are known to drastically affect your tax bill. They usually involve expenses regarding your physical appearance, such as cosmetic surgery, having your nails done, and haircuts.

While the IRS will certainly not allow someone to deduct such expenses for no reason, there have been situations where people have deducted their cosmetic surgeries. So, how can you claim cosmetic surgery on taxes?

Personal appearance tax deduction

First, one must ensure that they’re necessary for their job if they want them to count as deductible expenses. Remember that many work positions require specialized work clothing or a specific personal appearance. That’s why certain clothing expenses like protective gear, uniforms, and costumes can be deductible.

On the other hand, models may need makeup, hair care, and salon expenses for their photoshoots, so they’re still considered a deductible work-related expenses tax. The same goes for body enhancement in the sporting industry, such as body oils and training.

Regarding cosmetic surgery, tax deductions are approved under very specific circumstances. Even though many procedures benefit one’s work, they mustn’t be related to your personal life. Thus, deducting Botox or similar surgeries from your expenses tax may sound impossible.

However, there have been cases where the US Tax Court approved cosmetic surgery as a deduction. One such case is when the court ruled in Cynthia S. Hess’s favor in 1984 for getting breast augmentation surgeries when working as a self-employed exotic dancer. Lastly, you can also try itemized business deductions through Form 1040 Schedule A on your tax return.

Factors to Consider About Cosmetic Surgery Tax Deduction

After discovering how to deduct cosmetic surgery from your taxes, there are several factors you should consider. The most important ones are the following:

• Defining work-related expenses: Cosmetic surgery tax deductions will only be approved for work-related reasons. The one getting the surgery must prove that they’re not using such procedures for personal gain for them to be approved.
• Deduction amount limitations: When submitting your taxes, you must also know the annual maximum deduction amount you can claim. This number usually varies depending on your tax bracket, so it’s best to inform yourself beforehand.
• Keeping track of expenses: To successfully deduct cosmetic surgery from your taxes, you must keep track of your spending. Collect any receipts or documents involving your procedure as proof. You must also record the expenses’ date, cost, and amount in detail.
• Professional services: Having a licensed medical professional perform cosmetic surgery is a must. This doesn’t only apply to tax deductions but also to your general health and well-being.
• Consulting a tax professional: Before submitting your taxes, it’s always recommended to consult a tax professional. This way, they’ll advise you of any issues and answer any questions you may have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can models write off plastic surgery on taxes?

A model’s job usually depends on their appearance, so they may write off the surgical procedures on taxes if they’re a medical necessity. In case an injury occurs that puts their livelihood at risk, then they’re eligible for deductible medical expenses.

What medical expenses are not tax deductible?

After elaborating on “Is cosmetic surgery tax deductible?”, there are other non-deductible medical expenses you should know of. These include nicotine gum and patches without prescriptions, general health improvement programs, cosmetics and toiletries, nonprescription medicines, and funeral expenses.