Tax laws passed in 2003 onwards allows a tax credit that reimburses 100% for money paid for smoking cessation programs. If you are advised by a physician to lose weight, you can also be reimbursed 100% for weight loss hypnosis.
This is a tax credit - not a tax deduction, so that means 100% credit on your taxes!
The information below is presented as a courtesy from Academy of NLP & Hypnosis and is quoted from pages 12 and 15 of IRS Publication 502 year 2003.
Stop-Smoking Programs:
You can include in medical expenses amounts you pay for a program to stop smoking. However, you cannot include in medical expenses amounts you pay for drugs that do not require a prescription, such as nicotine gum or patches that are designed to help stop smoking.
Weight-Loss Programs:
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, diabetes 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.
How to Report:
To claim the credit, complete Form 8885, Health Coverage Tax Credit, and attach it to your Form 1040 or Form 1040NR. Report the credit on Form 1040, line 67, or Form 1040NR, line 62, and check box c. You cannot claim the credit on Form 1040A or Form 1040EZ.
You need to attach invoices and proof of payment for any amounts you include on line 2 of Form 8885 for which you did not receive an advance payment. If you file your return electronically, attach the invoices and proof of payment to your Form 8453. Proof of payment may include a pay stub if insurance is through a spouse's employment, a bank check, or bank statement for premiums that are automatically deducted from your account.
