Discussion:Hot Tub Deductible?
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Discussion Forum Index --> Tax Questions --> Hot Tub Deductible?
| 16 June 2008 | |
| if our Dr's prescribed regular use of a Hot Tub for T/P's hip issues and my Fibromyalgia would all or part ours be deductible? T/P owns home and is purchasing Hot Tub in 2008.
My Reply: If Dr. Prescribes, it would be deductible, but only to the extent of the allowable amount > than 7.5% AGI. Allowable? If Hot Tub costs say $6k and increase in FMV of Home is say $3k than you would use $3k If no increase in FMV, then full $6k would be deductible. Also, any amount deducted in 2008 would reduce basis of home. Is this correct responses? | |
| 17 June 2008 | |
| Dude, I'd say first, these people need something to slip into rather than climb into. At the very least, you need to make the hot tub look as medicinal as possible by painting it white, and having an art student paint a red cross on the side of it. If it looks ugly, it's more likely to pass as a deduction. The doctor's imprimatur alone may not be sufficient, they must have a medical ailment. For instance, should they be taped at a Square Dance affair down by Branson, or be spyed (caught) in a vigorous act of "courtship" in the tub, trouble could ensue, with a loss of the deduction.
But that's just half the problem you got. Have they studied the Clean Water Act? If so much as one duck or other protected fowl makes that tub it's home, even temporarily (overnight stay) the whole house is under managment of the Feds. as a protected wetlands. And God forbid if one of the fowl loses a feather in the yard, and it's picked up and used as a quill to write the water or power bill for the hot tub. That's a violation of the Endangered Species Act, carrying 10 to life. I think others here can more aptly address the specific issue at hand. | |
| 17 June 2008 | |
| If the tub is used on my campaign trail they will be allowed to deduct it as a political contribution. Otherwise, be careful of Crow, I do believe the peyote has kicked in and the water fowl is really a water buffalo that has shape shifted. | |
| 17 June 2008 | |
| It all depends what you call it. Ask Crow, he'll explain the politically correct way to deduct a campaign contribution. ;-) | |
Death&Taxes (talk|edits) said: | 17 June 2008 |
| The times are right for putting in swimming pools, hot tubs, etc for medical reasons for in this real estate climate, there is little worry about the value of the house rising because of it. Perhaps the Service will change the reasoning to 'if the value of the house falls less than the values of others.' Someone should mention this to stimulate the economy....what better use for that $1,200 check than a down payment on a hot tub. Now if we could just line up a few doctors to do the prescribing. | |
| 17 June 2008 | |
| So Basically what I'm hearing here is No deduction, even if their Dr. prescribes one correct? | |
| 17 June 2008 | |
| Seriously, I think it could be a completely valid deduction. Sorry for the silliness up there. I note in Lasser's, a reclining chair prescribed by a doctor was allowed. I think there is actually a swimming pool, or lap pool case out there that was approved, if memory serves.
Must be as treatment for a specific condition, not general health. As far as the other methodology you are using, I'll let the other pros speak to it. Edit: Ah, yes, I see it is discussed in 17.13 of Lasser's. Deductible as medical expense but only to the extent that the cost exceeds the increase in value to the house. The item you discuss would likely be termed a fixture, and hence treated as part of the real property, not 100% sure on that, but likely to be treated as a fixture. Further notes that (hot tub) must be specially equiped to alleviate the aforesaid conditions and not generally suited for recreation. So, fix it up in that dept. Not a slam dunk, but a possiblity. As David mentions, there is little chance it will increase value in this environment, and some would argue that they never increase value. May want to get a real estate agent to opine, in writing. | |
| 17 June 2008 | |
| What if the tub had a lift and a robot attached at pick you up and put you in the tub ? | |
| 17 June 2008 | |
| Unless built in (like a pool) a hot tub can be moved, albeit its a pain (I got one for free, if I would come and get it out of my client's backyard. We owned an old U-haul moving van at the time, and the thing barely fit into it. Took lots of people and lots of time). So it would not generally be an increase in value to the property. Could be considered a decrease, since you may have to put in a cement pad and extra wiring which wouldn't be useful for anything but a hot tub. | |
| 17 June 2008 | |
| He has been on a roll Nole. See what happens when a man has both too much time on his hands and access to hallucinogenics.
Crow, hats off to ya man. | |
| 29 June 2008 | |
| My view of this steamy dedcution is it may well qualifiy for Medical and a Polotical Deduction as well - and if Capitalizable the proper method of Depreciation is the "Double Declining" ah ..where its medically used to short up the saggy body parts - and speak of Polotical necessity - dusty dry campaigners cleansing the road dust - and suething weary muscles - in concert - surely qualify - for group bliss benefits - however, the occasioned groper should not become immersed in the bliss of spilling all on the bubbly waters of comradery, unless he fail the next election (sic is er...).
With that said, one's Mental Health is usually healed by group hot tubbing. | |
Donniecastleman (talk|edits) said: | 29 June 2008 |
| To hell with the robotic Hooter's chicks, I know the REAL Hooter's chicks at the Hooters Casino in Las Vegas and will ask if they can come by and visit your hot tub, nice gals! | |
