Is laser hair removal tax deductible?

Asked by: Cara McKenzie I  |  Last update: January 8, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (37 votes)

appearance and does not meaningfully promote the proper function of the body or prevent or treat illness or disease. Procedures such as face-lifts, hair transplants, hair removal (electrolysis), and liposuction generally are not deductible.

Is laser surgery tax-deductible?

The IRS defines medical expenses as, "the costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and the costs for treatments affecting any part or function of the body." As LASIK is a treatment to correct defective vision, it is a medical expense which can be deducted from a patient's taxes.

Can I write off getting my hair done?

While you can't deduct personal expenses from everyday life, you can deduct things like makeup, clothing, and hair styling if these expenses are directly related to the carrying out of your actual job. So if you wear a certain kind of makeup for performances, you can deduct the makeup.

What cosmetic surgery is tax-deductible?

Some of the cosmetic procedures, which could be considered tax deductible include: Breast reduction. Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) Rhinoplasty.

Are dermatology expenses tax-deductible?

Dermatology X Amounts paid to a dermatologist for a medical condition (such as acne or psoriasis) are qualified medical expenses. X Amounts paid to a dermatologist for cosmetic services (such as botox injections to eliminate wrinkles) are not qualified medical expenses.

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36 related questions found

Can beauty treatments be tax deductible?

Amounts paid for cosmetic surgery may be deducted if necessary to improve a deformity arising from, or directly related to, a congenital abnormality, a personal injury resulting from an accident or trauma, or a disfiguring disease.

What are IRS qualified medical expenses?

Medical expenses are the costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and for the purpose of affecting any part or function of the body. These expenses include payments for legal medical services rendered by physicians, surgeons, dentists, and other medical practitioners.

Can you write off manicures on your taxes?

The IRS does not let you deduct personal expenses from your taxes. The Court states, expenses such as haircuts, makeup, clothes, manicures, grooming, teeth whitening, hair care, manicures, and other cosmetic surgery are not deductible. However, there are exceptions.

Is it worth claiming medical expenses on taxes?

The medical expense deduction covers a wide variety of expenses. However, because of the high Standard Deduction and the 7.5% of AGI threshold requirement, it can be difficult to benefit unless you have a lot of out-of-pocket costs.

Are massages tax-deductible?

Massages may be tax deductible if prescribed as a treatment for musculoskeletal disorders such as tendonitis, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or fibromyalgia. If a licensed medical practitioner prescribes massage therapy to address musculoskeletal issues, it can be tax-deductible as a medical expense.

Is makeup a tax write off?

According to the IRS, to count as a deduction, an expense must be ordinary and necessary. Makeup is generally considered a personal expense but if you're a part of the entertainment industry then it can be considered a legitimate deduction.

Can you write off a gym membership on taxes?

Gym Memberships

Generally, gym memberships are not tax deductible. However, there are instances where you would be able to claim a gym membership on your tax return.

Can I write off clothing for work?

Work clothes are tax deductible if your employer requires you to wear them everyday but they cannot be worn as everyday wear, such as a uniform. However, if your employer requires you to wear suits – which can be worn as everyday wear – you cannot deduct their cost even if you never wear the suits outside of work.

Is laser hair removal a medical expense?

You generally can't include in medical expenses the amount you pay for procedures such as face lifts, hair transplants, hair removal (electrolysis), and liposuction.

Does laser count as surgery?

Laser surgery is a type of surgery that uses special light beams instead of instruments for surgical procedures.

Can you write off glasses on your taxes?

That's because glasses count as a “medical expense,” which can be claimed as an itemized deductible on form 104, Schedule A. You can also deduct your spouse's glasses (if you are filing together) as well as your dependents' glasses. Of course, as with anything involving the IRS, there are exceptions and stipulations.

What cannot be claimed as a medical expense?

Medical care expenses must be primarily to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental disability or illness. They don't include expenses that are merely beneficial to general health, such as vitamins or a vacation.

Is dental work tax deductible?

Only medically necessary dental treatments are deductible, such as teeth cleanings, sealants, fluoride treatments, X-rays, fillings, braces, extractions, dentures, and dental-related prescription medications. Cosmetic procedures (like veneers and teeth whitening) and non-prescription medicines are not tax-deductible.

What can you deduct if you don't itemize?

You can deduct these expenses whether you take the standard deduction or itemize:
  • Alimony payments.
  • Business use of your car.
  • Business use of your home.
  • Money you put in an IRA.
  • Money you put in health savings accounts.
  • Penalties on early withdrawals from savings.
  • Student loan interest.
  • Teacher expenses.

Is deodorant tax deductible?

Medical expenses that can't be deducted from taxes

Cosmetic procedures. Over-the-counter drugs (with the exception of insulin) Health-related items and services like: Hygiene products (deodorant, toothpaste, etc.)

Is Botox tax deductible?

Facelifts, Botox, hair removal (electrolysis), liposuction, and other procedures to improve your appearance are not considered deductible medical expenses on your tax return. However, if your doctor prescribes rhinoplasty (a nose job) to correct respiratory issues then it could be a deductible medical expense.

Can you write off jewelry as a business expense?

✨ Business Expense: If you're in the jewelry business, costs like materials, repairs, or packaging can be deducted. Performers can also write off jewelry used exclusively for work (sorry, no everyday wear!).

Is a gym membership tax deductible?

The IRS typically does not allow taxpayers to deduct gym memberships or other costs associated with general health and wellness. The main reason is that these expenses are considered personal, even if they contribute indirectly to improved work performance, stress reduction, or overall well-being.

What proof do I need to deduct medical expenses?

You should also keep a statement or itemized invoice showing:
  • What medical care was received.
  • Who received the care.
  • The nature and purpose of any medical expenses.
  • The amount of the other medical expenses.

Is car insurance tax deductible?

If you only use your car for personal use, then you likely can't deduct your car insurance premiums from your taxable income. Generally, you need to use your vehicle for business-related reasons (other than as an employee) to deduct part of your car insurance premiums as a business expense.