Lapband tax deduction

[Mink 0]

Has anybody used their surgery as a tax deduction (I am self pay). I had motel room's ,fills and a 4 hour road trip on every doctor appointment and fill. What do I need to start collecting to take this off my taxes? and what can I deduct?

Also do you have to specify what type of surgery you had?

Thanks for any advice

[Alexandra 55]

Hi Mink,

The entire amount you spent on your banding would be deductible as medical expense. The actual extent of the deductibility depends on your personal tax situation...in general, medical expenses over and above 7.5% of your taxable income are deductible.

Unless you get audited, there's no need to supply any documentation or details about what your medical expenses consisted of. It's always advisable to keep receipts and notes about anything you'll be deducting, ever, but that's just good practice in general.

[HALO74 0]

That was a great question. I'm in the same boat. My surgery is scheduled for the 19th. I am self pay, 3 hour drive to my doctor and will have hotel expenses on the 18th. I'm glad I'm not the only one traveling so far. I have a lower BMI and no comorbities wanted one of the best doctors that would do it for me... so 3 hours of travel isn't all that bad to me.