Can You Write Off LASIK Surgery on Your Taxes?

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) surgery, a procedure designed to correct vision, can be a deductible medical expense on your tax return. While the cost of such a procedure is significant, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) allows taxpayers to include these expenses when calculating their potential medical expense deduction. This deduction is subject to specific conditions and limitations, primarily related to your adjusted gross income and itemizing deductions. Understanding these rules is key to determining how much of your LASIK surgery cost you can deduct.

What Qualifies as a Medical Expense

A medical expense, according to IRS guidelines, includes costs for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, or for affecting any body structure or function. This definition covers payments for services by medical practitioners, and for necessary equipment and supplies. LASIK surgery falls under this definition because its primary purpose is to correct impaired vision and improve eye function, distinguishing it from purely cosmetic procedures.

Expenses for vision care, such as eye exams, prescription glasses, and contact lenses, are qualifying medical expenses. The cost of your LASIK procedure can be combined with other eligible medical expenses, such as doctor visits, prescription medications, or dental care, to meet deduction thresholds.

How to Deduct Medical Expenses

To deduct medical expenses, you must itemize your deductions on Schedule A (Form 1040) of your tax return. This means you forgo taking the standard deduction and instead list specific deductible expenses. The Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) threshold is: only the amount of medical expenses exceeding 7.5% of your AGI is deductible. For instance, if your AGI is $80,000, you can only deduct medical expenses surpassing $6,000 (7.5% of $80,000).

If your total qualifying medical expenses for the year were $10,000 in this scenario, you could deduct $4,000 ($10,000 – $6,000). This threshold applies to the cumulative total of all eligible medical expenses paid during the tax year. Maintain detailed records, such as receipts and statements, for all medical expenses to accurately calculate your deduction.

Key Considerations for Deductions

Only medical expenses not reimbursed by insurance or other sources are deductible. Any reimbursement reduces the deductible portion. The expense must be paid within the tax year for which you claim the deduction, regardless of when services were provided. For example, if you charge a medical expense to a credit card, it is considered paid in the year the charge is made, not when you pay the bill.

Transportation costs for medical care can also be included as part of your deductible medical expenses. This covers expenses like gas, oil, parking fees, tolls, and public transportation fares to and from medical appointments. For complex tax situations or significant medical expenses, consulting a tax professional can provide tailored guidance and help ensure all eligible deductions are properly claimed.