💡 Did You Know?
Your Weight Loss Surgery Might Be Tax Deductible
If you’ve undergone or are considering bariatric surgery, here’s a financial fact that may surprise you: weight loss surgery can be tax deductible. That’s right—your journey to better health might also come with a tax break!
What the IRS Says
According to IRS guidelines, weight loss surgery is considered a qualified medical expense when it is prescribed by a doctor to treat a specific disease. This includes obesity itself, as well as related conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Procedures such as gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and duodenal switch typically qualify.
What’s Covered?
You may be able to deduct a variety of costs related to your surgery, including:
- Preoperative testing and evaluations
- Surgeon and hospital fees
- Anesthesia
- Post-op follow-up visits
- Nutrition counseling
- Lab work and diagnostics
- Medically necessary medications
- Travel expenses related to medical care (e.g., mileage, lodging if traveling far for surgery)
Even some program or clinic fees related to medically supervised weight loss plans could qualify.
Requirements
To deduct these expenses:
- You must itemize your deductions on your tax return.
- Total medical expenses must exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI) for the tax year.
- You’ll need documentation showing that the surgery was medically necessary, not just cosmetic.
Save Your Receipts
Hold onto every receipt and statement related to your care—from doctor’s notes and appointment bills to pharmacy receipts and travel mileage logs. These documents can help validate your claim if you’re ever audited.
Pro Tip
Consider consulting a tax professional who understands healthcare-related deductions. They can guide you on what qualifies and help you maximize your savings.
Investing in your health is priceless—but it doesn’t hurt to get a little back at tax time. If you’ve taken this brave step toward a healthier future, don’t miss out on the financial opportunities that may come with it.