IRS Allows Weight-Loss Tax Deduction

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http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=624&ncid=753&e=10&u=/ap/20040302/ap_on_sc/fit_taxes_weight_loss

IRS Allows Weight-Loss Tax Deduction
By CONNIE FARROW, Associated Press Writer

Obese Americans who take drastic, expensive action to lose weight under a doctor's orders will at least be able to lighten their tax load.

The Internal Revenue Service allows taxpayers who are forced to spend thousands of dollars because of obesity to deduct expenses for stomach-stapling surgery, approved weight-loss drugs and nutritional counseling. <snip>

To claim the deduction, a person must itemize. Deductions are allowed for uncompensated expenses for the treatment of an individual, spouse and dependents if the cost is more than 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income, IRS spokeswoman Kris Moore said.

For example, a person with an adjusted gross income of $50,000 would only be able to deduct medical expenses exceeding $3,750. <snip>

Joining a weight control program simply to improve appearance, general health and sense of well-being and not under a physician's guidance does not qualify, Moore said. <snip>