[sillyputty]

Any one know if you can use the IP diet costs as a tax deduction? I know you can claim gym membership expenses and really losing weight helps people dramatically in all areas of their life. They are likely to be less dependant on medications, health care facilities, etc. Hmm.... maybe something to lobby for? I am from Canada... not sure if this is available to my US friends?

[mamaerinb]

WOW! never even thought of this and i am useless to answer your question, but i'd be happy to know too!

[mandalinn82]

Here are the rules in the US, not sure about Canada

*Weight-Loss Program
You can include in medical expenses amounts you pay to lose weight if it is a treatment for a specific disease diagnosed by a physician (such as obesity, hypertension, or heart disease). This includes fees you pay for membership in a weight reduction group and attendance at periodic meetings. You cannot include membership dues in a gym, health club, or spa as medical expenses, but you can include separate fees charged there for weight loss activities.

You cannot include the cost of diet food or beverages in medical expenses because the diet food and beverages substitute for what is normally consumed to satisfy nutritional needs. You can include the cost of special food in medical expenses only if:

• The food does not satisfy normal nutritional needs,

• The food alleviates or treats an illness, and

• The need for the food is substantiated by a physician.

The amount you can include in medical expenses is limited to the amount by which the cost of the special food exceeds the cost of a normal diet.

*What Expenses Are Not Includible ?
Following is a list of some items that you cannot include in figuring your medical expense deduction.

Health Club Dues
You cannot include in medical expenses health club dues, or amounts paid to improve one's general health or to relieve physical or mental discomfort not related to a particular medical condition.

You cannot include in medical expenses the cost of membership in any club organized for business, pleasure, recreation, or other social purpose.

*Weight-Loss Program
You cannot include in medical expenses the cost of a weight-loss program if the purpose of the weight loss is the improvement of appearance, general health, or sense of well-being. You cannot include amounts you pay to lose weight unless the weight loss is a treatment for a specific disease diagnosed by a physician (such as obesity, hypertension, or heart disease). This includes fees you pay for membership in a weight reduction group and attendance at periodic meetings. Also, you cannot include membership dues in a gym, health club, or spa.

You cannot include the cost of diet food or beverages in medical expenses because the diet food and beverages substitute for what is normally consumed to satisfy nutritional needs. You cannot include the cost of special food in medical expenses unless all three of the following requirements are met.

• The food does not satisfy normal nutritional needs.

• The food alleviates or treats an illness.

• The need for the food is substantiated by a physician.

The amount you can include in medical expenses is limited to the amount by which the cost of the special food exceeds the cost of a normal diet.

To figure out which of your weight-loss and fitness efforts can reduce your taxes, consult the chart below. For more information, see IRS Publication 502, available online at irs.gov.

*Information above comes directly from IRS Publication 502

[Stacey41]

US answer, no idea about CA tax laws.

Generally no. However, if you have a specific medical condition you are being treated for by a physician and IP is doctor ordered, it may be possible. Keep in mind that you have to itemize your deductions and medical expenses are subject to the 7.5% floor on AGI. So, you have to have a lot of medical expenses to even qualify for a partial deduction. For example, if your AGI is $60,000, you could only claim medical expenses you had in excess $4,500. Unless you have a lot of out-of-pocket medical expenses, this can be hard to take advantage of.