Answer the following statements true (T) or false (F)

Question

1. Due to stress on the job, taxpayer Fiona began to experience anxiety attacks. Her doctor advised her to engage in some relaxation activities. Fiona enrolled in yoga lessons. The cost of the yoga lessons to alleviate this medical condition is tax deductible.
2. Expenditures for a weight reduction program are deductible if recommended by a physician to treat a specific medical condition such as hypertension caused by excess weight.
3. In order for a taxpayer to deduct a medical expense, the amount must be paid to a licensed physician.
4. Jeffrey, a T.V. news anchor, is concerned about the wrinkles around his eyes. Because it is job-related, the cost of a face lift to eliminate these wrinkles is a deductible medical expense.
5. Expenditures for long-term care insurance premiums qualify as a medical expense deduction subject to an annual limit based upon the age of an individual.

Answer 1

1. FALSE
Unless expenditures are for routine preventive care, expenditures must be incurred to treat a specific ailment, rather than for general health.
2. TRUE
Unless expenditures are for routine preventive care, expenditures must be incurred to treat a specific ailment, rather than for general health. A weight loss program must be prescribed by a doctor to treat a specific condition.
3. FALSE
Taxpayers may deduct payments to a wide range of medical, dental, and other diagnostic and healing services.
4. FALSE
Cosmetic surgery is not deductible unless such surgery is necessary to correct a deformity arising from a congenital abnormality, a personal injury resulting from an accident or trauma, or a disfiguring disease.
5. TRUE
Premiums for long-term care will qualify for medical expense treatment, but the deduction amounts are limited by the taxpayer's age.