Hot Tub deduction as Medical

[Rick168]

Is there any way to deduct the Hot tub cost even if you take the standard deduction? Being that its prescribed by a Dr it seems there could be a loophole. Married Jointly, but one filer is 1099 -biz expense?

[DoninGA]

If it is truly a medical expenses then it must be entered as an itemized deduction on Schedule A.

[Rick168]

I have a Dr prescription and a letter from Chiropracter as well so I would think that qualifies as legit. My question back to you is "can I use the schedule A itemized deduction" even though im using the standard deduction that is higher? thanks

[DoninGA]

@Rick168 You can use itemized deductions even if less than the standard deduction for your filing status.

What you need to do is go to Forms mode and on the Federal Information Worksheet, in Part VI, under Standard Deduction/Itemized Deductions:

Check the box - Check this box if you are itemizing for state tax or other purposes even though your itemized
deductions are less than your standard deduction

[NCperson]

@Rick168 while you can do it, it has no benefit.  Your taxes will be higher.  

[Mike9241]

The answer is NO. You must choose between the standard deduction and itemized deductions. Another rule is that if your filing status is married filing separately, both must use either the standard deduction or itemized deductions. 

look at what line 12e on the 1040 statesays. 

[Opus 17]

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@Rick168 wrote:

I have a Dr prescription and a letter from Chiropracter as well so I would think that qualifies as legit. My question back to you is "can I use the schedule A itemized deduction" even though im using the standard deduction that is higher? thanks

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There is no way to deduct medical expenses while using the standard deduction.  The point of the "standard" deduction is to allow a simplified blanket deduction for all of life's little quirks.  You can use the standard amount and then add additional expenses.  All your deductible expenses are assumed to be rolled into the standard deduction.

A portable hot tub would probably be deductible under the situation you describe.  If this is a built-in permanent improvement to the home, it may not be deductible. The rules for medical expenses that are also home improvements are different.  If you decide to itemize your deductions, you can ask here for more details about home improvements.