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Hot Tub purchase as a tax write off?

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f6487:
Guys,  Sorry if this horse has already been beaten, picked up and beaten again..  If it has just refer me to the thread and I'll get up to speed.

I'm planning on making a hot tub purchase before the end of the year.  Doing lot's of research now, price comparisons, looking at different models, etc.

I've been battling with sleep issue's for over a decade along with years of lower back problems.  My primary physician knows this and it's well documented.  She recently told me that she could write me a note/prescription for a hot tub.  My accountant has also explained to me that a percentage of the hot tub can be written off if you have documentation from a doctor that the hot tub is for medical reasons. 

Just wondering if there is an expert in this area or someone who has first hand knowledge of how this works.  I sure don't want any issue's with the IRS. 

Someone told me that the IRS might look at the size of the tub you purchased.  Like why did you purchase a 6 person tub if you have a bad back & insomnia.  Well,  I purchased a six person tub because I don't like being cramped in a three person tub.  Of course my wife & son are still going to use the tub. 

Just curious if anyone has any thought's on this.  Thanks..

Dr. Spa™ Ret.:
Unlikely the feds would allow it, especially if others are using it...though, you "may" be able to get a partial write off, if you clearly and carefully document it's use (for instance, if you can document and convince them you use it 40% of the time, and others use it 60% of the time you may be able to write off 40% of the costs).....maybe. Some individual states are much more generous, and you're much more likely to get a state write off, and perhaps a waiver on state sales tax with a prescription, but again this varies by state.

f6487:
I'm in California and here's my accountants exact words.  "If you have a note from a doctor, you can deduct the hot tub as a medical expense.  Medical expenses are deductible over 10% of your adjustable growth income." 

I'll continue to do my research on this and see what I can learn.  I'll ask my accountant about how much documentation needs to be filed to keep the feds happy.  I have plenty of it.

If you google this topic there are lot's of people with similar situations.  Thanks.

Chartreux:
Like Dr. Spa pointed out in some US states, you can possibly take off the sales tax if you have a prescription. However, if you do not pay sales tax on it then you might not get the Federal Income tax write off, as that could be called double dipping so to speak. Accountants are good for some advise, but sometimes they can miss lead you. Look over the 1040 forms and read them very carefully....Make sure your above the medical limit to write off for medical and this is getting higher and harder to do. Keep all receipts and make copies, make copies of your doctor's notes and if you do take off for medical send all this in with your 1040 as proof of having over the medical limit to deduct medical. We had one year over the medical limit and had proof and the IRS came in and readjusted our taxes without the medical...So if they do go over your forms you have documented proof even then they can readjust your taxes...it's not right but to sue the IRS is just too hard and you probably would lose in the end or give up....Taking medical expenses might also put up red flags for your taxes....just giving my opinions here...

wmccall:
I'll only add in the point that I was in the situation and a good nights sleep is on the top of my list of benefits from having a hot tub.  11 years ago when we first got our tub, I noticed the difference immediately and its been an improvement.  I have learned other things to improve sleep, but the hot tub has been major help.

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