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/