IRS and HSAs/Itemizing expenses

[AC_Tech85]

Has anyone dared attempt to either itemize foreskin restoration expenses or classify them as a qualified medical withdrawal from their HSA? I am angry at a country that has left me mutilated and thus want to pay as little taxes as legally possible. I notice that the IRS states that cosmetic surgery in general cannot be deducted, but they already make an exception with breast reconstruction.

Per the IRS, Publication 502 (bold emphasis mine):

"Cosmetic Surgery

Generally, you cannot include in medical expenses the amount you pay for unnecessary cosmetic surgery. This includes any procedure that is directed at improving the patient's appearance and does not meaningfully promote the proper function of the body or prevent or treat illness or disease. You generally cannot include in medical expenses the amount you pay for procedures such as face lifts, hair transplants, hair removal (electrolysis), and liposuction.

You can include in medical expenses the amount you pay for cosmetic surgery if it is necessary to improve a deformity arising from, or directly related to, a congenital abnormality, a personal injury resulting from an accident or trauma, or a disfiguring disease."

I see foreskin restoration efforts deductible either surgically or non-surgically because:

1. Circumcision changes the function and restoration restores proper function.
2. Foreskin restoration treats illness -i.e. depression, genital dysmorphia.

I plan on making withdrawals from my HSA for my foreskin restoration and will fight the IRS if audited. Have any of you considered doing this as well?

[admin]

Originally Posted by AC_Tech85

Has anyone dared attempt to either itemize foreskin restoration expenses or classify them as a qualified medical withdrawal from their HSA? I am angry at a country that has left me mutilated and thus want to pay as little taxes as legally possible. I notice that the IRS states that cosmetic surgery in general cannot be deducted, but they already make an exception with breast reconstruction.

Per the IRS, Publication 502 (bold emphasis mine):

"Cosmetic Surgery

Generally, you cannot include in medical expenses the amount you pay for unnecessary cosmetic surgery. This includes any procedure that is directed at improving the patient's appearance and does not meaningfully promote the proper function of the body or prevent or treat illness or disease. You generally cannot include in medical expenses the amount you pay for procedures such as face lifts, hair transplants, hair removal (electrolysis), and liposuction.

You can include in medical expenses the amount you pay for cosmetic surgery if it is necessary to improve a deformity arising from, or directly related to, a congenital abnormality, a personal injury resulting from an accident or trauma, or a disfiguring disease."

I see foreskin restoration efforts deductible either surgically or non-surgically because:

1. Circumcision changes the function and restoration restores proper function.
2. Foreskin restoration treats illness -i.e. depression, genital dysmorphia.

I plan on making withdrawals from my HSA for my foreskin restoration and will fight the IRS if audited. Have any of you considered doing this as well?

It's obvious that treatment aising from an unwarranted amputation is meant to be covered. I hereby pledge $1000 towards the legal expenses of anyone who needs to defend their FSA claim for TLC gear.

Two Europeans have asked me for itemized invoices to support Health Spending Account claims. I'm not certain any men in the US have made the claim yet.

-Ron Low