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In the past, taxpayers
have been able to deduct the costs
of weight loss programs as a medical
expense only if they were recommended
by a doctor to treat a specific
disease. The IRS did not recognize
obesity itself as an ailment that
qualified for the weight loss expense
deduction.
In order to take the
deduction, a taxpayer has to participate
in a weight loss program for medically
validated reasons. Joining a gym
or a weight control program to "improve
the taxpayer's appearance, general
health and sense of well-being"
will not qualify, says the IRS.
Diet foods are not
deductible, even if they are part
if a weight loss program. The IRS
reasons that people have to purchase
food whether or not they participate
in a weight-loss program.
The deduction
comes as a medical expense, which
must exceed 7.5 percent of adjusted
gross income. Taxpayers wishing
to claim this deduction must itemize
their deductions.
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