Smoke Cessation Programs

The IRS has ruled that unreimbursed amounts paid by taxpayers for participation in smoking-cessation programs and for prescribed drugs designed to alleviate nicotine withdrawal are expenses for medical care that are deductible subject to the 7.5%-of-AGI limitation. However, because of the prohibition of deductions for most non-prescription drugs, no deductions are permitted for the costs of nonprescription nicotine gum and certain nicotine patches.

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