Is a massage an eligible expense?

Asked by: Mr. Ruben Harris  |  Last update: November 5, 2023
Score: 4.5/5 (53 votes)

Massage therapy CAN be a qualified medical expense, if you meet all of the criteria below. The IRS ruling states: “Medical expenses are the costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and the costs for treatments affecting any part or function of the body.

Can a massage be a work expense?

The IRS allows you to deduct unreimbursed expenses for preventative care and treatment as qualifying medical expenses. You can also deduct unreimbursed expenses for visits to massage therapy establishments that focus on rehabilitation or clinics.

Is massage a qualified medical expense?

As long as the massage was recommended or prescribed by a medical professional, massage therapy can be a qualified medical expense that is tax deductible. This is important to know since many people overlook the cost of massage therapy when considering their health costs and miss out on the benefits it can provide.

Is massage an HSA eligible expense?

Massages with a doctor's note of necessity

In a case like this, accountholders can use their HSA to pay for the massage. For you to use your HSA to pay for the massage, you must provide a letter of medical necessity from your doctor that therapeutic message is really needed.

Is massage an eligible FSA expense?

Massage Therapy is eligible for reimbursement with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA) and health reimbursement arrangements (HRA).

#6 - Is Registered Massage Therapy a Tax Deductible Expense?

33 related questions found

Does HSA or FSA cover massage therapy?

Massage therapy may be considered an HSA- or FSA-eligible expense if it's medically necessary. For example, your provider might write a LOMN for massage therapy if you have a chronic condition like fibromyalgia, which can worsen or start after menopause.

Are personal massagers FSA eligible?

The majority of flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs) allow spending on massage therapy, and some massage guns are also eligible for FSA/HSA spending. Most demand proof of medical necessity from your primary care physician.

Do massagers count for FSA HSA?

Since some massage guns are already listed as medical items (many already are because of their enormous impact on easing muscle tension and relieving pain), you can purchase one using your HSA card. You need to ask your insurance provider for this information.

Can I use HSA for chiropractic and massage?

You can use your HSA to pay for chiropractic care or any other qualified medical expense, even if you have other insurance coverage. HSA funds can be used to cover copayments, deductibles, or any out-of-pocket expenses related to your chiropractic care that your insurance does not cover.

Can you pay for gym membership with FSA?

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) typically does not allow funds from a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for membership dues at health clubs or gyms.

Is yoga a qualified medical expense?

Yoga is a practice, rather than a task or a goal to be completed (Everything Yoga). Yoga may be eligible for reimbursement with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) saying yoga is being used to treat, prevent or mitigate a disease. What are the different types of Yoga?

Does chiropractor count as medical expense?

Examples of medical expenses approved by the IRS include: Fees to doctors, surgeons, dentists, chiropractors, psychiatrists, psychologists and other providers of professional services. Laboratory fees that are part of medical care.

Can I write off gym membership?

No, gym memberships are not deductible as a medical expense. While it is true that physical activity is beneficial for overall health, membership in a gym is not considered to be a medical expense, at least according to the IRS.

Is a massage chair a medical expense?

In general, massage chairs can be tax deductible if they are used for medical purposes or in a home office setting.

What counts as a work expense?

Those eligible taxpayers can report and claim their unreimbursed work expenses using Form 2106, "Employee Business Expenses." These expenses can include vehicle costs, travel costs, work clothes and meals, but the IRS has stringent rules for documentation -- taxpayers must "prove the time, place, business purpose, ...

Are spa expenses tax deductible?

Is a Hot Tub Tax Deductible: The Quick Answer. The short answer is that yes, a hot tub can be tax deductible if it is prescribed by a medical professional as a form of treatment for a specific medical condition.

Are deep tissue massages HSA eligible?

No matter whether you have an HSA or FSA, massage therapy is usually considered a legitimate medical expense by most insurance companies. Still, to be sure, check with your carrier or ask an HR representative at work because some plans do not cover massage, even with a doctor's prescription.

Can I use my HSA for Botox?

Botox: HSA Eligibility

Botox injections are not eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA) or a limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA).

Can I get reimbursed if I paid with HSA?

HSA reimbursement is the concept of using money from a health savings account (HSA) to “pay back” qualified medical expenses that were made out of pocket, usually because the total expense exceeds the amount in the account at the time.

Can I use HSA for a gym membership?

General fitness expenses are not eligible but if your doctor or nurse specifically gives you an exercise regimen to carry out, the costs of the gym can be taken care of as part of your plan. For example, a physician might prescribe weight training or aerobic activity to lower blood pressure.

How to get a letter of medical necessity for massage therapy?

Talk to your primary care provider.

In many HMOs and other health plans, this doctor is the one who must authorize the referral. Discuss medical necessity with the doctor. Figure out how that medical professional will diagnose a condition that can formally necessitate medical massage.

Can I use HSA for vitamins?

With this IRS definition in mind, while daily multivitamins are not FSA/HSA eligible, there are some types of vitamins that are eligible with consumer-directed healthcare accounts and others that may be eligible with proper documentation from a physician.

Can you use FSA for chiropractic massage?

Chiropractic services are covered under FSA/HSA

Chiropractic services can help aid in pain management and so much more. If you're experiencing pain and want a natural, drug-free option, use your FSA or HSA for chiropractic services.

Is chiropractic massage covered by FSA?

FSA Eligible Expense Qualifications

A massage may not qualify with your FSA (depending on your plan) unless recommended by your doctor, who provides a letter of medical necessity (LMN). If you have any doubts about which services or products are covered by your FSA, it's best to reach out to your FSA administrator.

Can I use my FSA for chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a Qualified FSA Expense

Chiropractic fees for yourself, your spouse, or dependents could qualify as an FSA expense if it is medically necessary. Chiropractic is covered by a 'standard' FSA and not by a limited-purpose FSA (a limited purpose FSA can only be used for vision and dental expenses).