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Are there any unusual medical expenses that can be deducted


Yes, there are several unusual medical expenses that can be deducted on your taxes. Here are some of the more surprising examples:

1. Alternative medical treatments: Expenses for naturopathic doctors, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and even Christian Science practitioners can be deductible[1].

2. Breast pumps and lactation supplies: For new mothers, breast pumps, accessories, nursing pads, and breastmilk storage bags are considered deductible medical expenses[1].

3. Home improvements for medical reasons: If you need to make modifications to your home for medical purposes, such as installing ramps, widening doorways, or adding support bars, these costs can be deductible[1].

4. Medical conference expenses: If you attend a medical conference related to a condition affecting you, your spouse, or your dependent, the registration fees and transportation costs may be deductible[1].

5. Smoking cessation programs: Costs associated with doctor-prescribed smoking cessation programs and treatments are deductible[1].

6. Reproductive health treatments: Expenses for birth control, vasectomies, fertility treatments like IVF, and even pregnancy test kits can be deducted[1].

7. Service animals: The costs associated with buying, training, and maintaining a service animal, including food and veterinary care, may be deductible[5].

8. Wigs: If a wig is prescribed by a doctor for the mental health of a patient who has lost hair due to a medical condition, it can be deductible[5].

9. Dental care: While not necessarily unusual, many people don't realize that dental care, including preventative treatments, can be deductible[2].

10. Prescription-grade infant formula: If prescribed by a doctor, the cost of special infant formula can be deducted[1].

Remember that to claim these deductions, your total medical expenses must exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income, and you must itemize your deductions[4]. It's always best to consult with a tax professional to ensure you're claiming deductions correctly and in compliance with current tax laws.

Citations:
[1] https://cookcpagroup.com/medical-expenses-you-didnt-know-were-deductible/
[2] https://www.taxprofessionals.com/articles/claiming-medical-deductions-in-unusual-circumstances
[3] https://www.hrblock.com/tax-center/filing/adjustments-and-deductions/weird-tax-deductions/
[4] https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/health-care/deducting-medical-expenses-for-a-major-illness-or-injury/L5fSkrd6C
[5] https://www.consumerreports.org/taxes/unusual-medical-tax-deductions/