tax deductible? - Lasik Eye Surgery Message Board

linkin01 · 02-16-2006, 09:53 PM

Is non-medically necessary corrective surgery something that one can itemize as a deduction on their taxes (ie., medical expense)?

My vision is about -1000+200 and -800+150

I haven't researched the procedure yet, but I can't wear contacts due to chronic eye irritation and sensitivity. I wonder if that will make me more susceptible to complications of the surgery?

Mike

plymouth · 02-16-2006, 10:15 PM

Yes, surgery to correct your vision is deductible even if not medically necessary.

To claim the deduction you must itemize your deductions. You can only deduct the amount of your total medical expenses less 7.5% of your adjusted gross income.

linkin01 · 02-16-2006, 10:20 PM

Great!

I already spend more than 7.5% of my yearly income in medical expenses for the past 7 or 8 years, and expect to continue. So any additional expense is straight deductible.

Mike

Hating glasses · 02-17-2006, 07:48 AM

mossey,
I just had my Lasik deducted. I almost forgot about it. My hubby and I sent off our tax info to our Accountant Monday and on Wednesday I remembered that I read somewhere that Lasik is a deductible medical expense so, I faxed over copies of my receipts from my lasik center and he called yesterday to let my hubby know that he got everything, including my receipts and that it was good to go for a deduction. I don't know what percentage or even how it is done but, that is what we pay the Accountant for! So, even though your answer was probably better answered above, I can speak from experience...it is deductible.

Take care!

sdv · 02-17-2006, 05:25 PM

Mossey,

Wow, this is news to me! I'll make sure to deduct my surgery as well! You mentioned that you have chronic eye irritation and sensitivity. Is this dry eye? This DEFINITELY puts you at a higher risk of dry eye problems after your surgery, so I would be VERY careful. You don't want to make your problem any worse than it already is. I'm hoping they would tell you this at a consultation, but I just wanted to bring it up.

Michelle