Can I deduct my transplant?

[crown exposed]

I want to double check...from searching the internet it appears that you can deduct your hair transplant cost as a medical expense in 2009 taxes. Is this correct? I found places online also saying that you could not. I just want to make sure I'm right before I do anything.

[Plum]

Where are you from? This is true in Canada.

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/tpcs/ncm-tx/rtrn/cmpltng/ddctns/lns300-350/330/llwbl-eng.html

[crown exposed]

I am in the good ol' midwest of the United States

[mkamph]

if you're an actor or a model you could. otherwise, it's not a medical neccesity. it's considered strictly cosmetic. i'm a cpa.

[Winston]

What if you do public speaking for a living?

[mkamph]

i'm assuming your appearance isn't the subject of your public speeches, so you can't deduct it. in other words, people don't go to your speeches because of how you look. additionally, i would assume that since you're getting a hair transplant your adjusted gross income is relatively high and since you can only deduct medical expenses above 7 &1/2 percent of your income it may not even be a deduction on the relevant schedule. if you're self employed or have flow thru income it would, but it's still not worth the risk based on the previous assumptions. good luck with the ht.

[gillenator]

IMHO I think it will come down to which country you file in. As was mentioned, the US and Canada are quite different. Consult several experienced tax professionals for advice.