Do you suffer from lipoedema and are planning liposuction?
Then we have good news for you: in many cases, you can claim the costs of your lipoedema surgery in your tax return and thus deduct them from your tax bill. This was decided by the Federal Fiscal Court in a ruling in 2016.
In this article, we explain which requirements and procedures you need to observe and how exactly you should proceed if you want to include your lipoedema surgery in your tax return.
Lipoedema is a chronic fat distribution disorder that primarily affects women and is often accompanied by episodes of lipoedema. It manifests itself through an uncontrolled increase in fatty tissue on the arms and legs, which is not only visible but can also be very painful. In addition, sufferers are often more prone to bruising and experience impaired mobility, which can make even simple everyday activities a challenge.
These physical lipoedema symptoms are often accompanied by emotional stress, as the altered body image can lead to insecurity and social isolation. For this reason, holistic treatment is important, which does not ignore the connection between lipoedema and the psyche and a balanced lipoedema diet.
For many sufferers, the question arises as to whether lipoedema surgery can be included in their tax return. The answer is yes.
If you suffer from lipoedema and have undergone liposuction, you can claim the costs of lipoedema surgery as “extraordinary expenses” in your tax return under certain conditions.
We will tell you everything you need to know about “Lipoedema & tax return” below.
If you want to list the costs of your lipoedema surgery in your tax return and thus claim them for tax purposes, a few important requirements must be met. This is because not every liposuction operation can automatically be recognized as an extraordinary expense in your tax return. Here is an overview of the key criteria:
If you are planning or have already had surgery to treat your lipoedema, you can deduct a number of associated costs from your tax return. The extraordinary expenses that you can claim in your tax return after lipoedema surgery include various expenses:
It is important that you keep all receipts and invoices for your lipoedema surgery carefully so that you can prove the expenses in your tax return. This includes not only the invoices for the actual operation, but also for all related treatments and purchases.
Carefully collect all receipts, prescriptions and transfer documents that are related to your lipoedema surgery and could be important for your tax return. Organize the documents chronologically and keep them at least until you have completed your tax return, preferably a few years longer. This way you are on the safe side in case the tax office has any queries or requests additional documents.
Don’t be afraid to claim smaller amounts, as travel costs or co-payments for medication can quickly add up, especially with such a cost-intensive treatment as liposuction. Every euro counts and can reduce your tax burden.
To deduct the costs of your lipoedema surgery, enter them in your tax return as extraordinary expenses. To do this, use the “Extraordinary expenses” annex. You can submit your tax return retrospectively for up to four years. For example, if your liposuction was performed in 2020, you can still claim the costs until the end of 2024.
If you are unsure which costs you can deduct in your case, it is best to seek advice from a tax consultant or an income tax assistance association. They can give you even more information on the subject of “lipoedema and tax returns”.
For many sufferers, liposuction is the way to a better quality of life and freedom from pain. It is therefore all the more pleasing that, since the BFH ruling, the costs of lipoedema surgery can in most cases be included in the tax return – even without a prior MD or official medical opinion.
Our expert team at LipoClinic Dr. Heck will be happy to support you on your path to holistic lipedema treatment. Make an appointment now for a non-binding initial consultation and let us advise you individually on our approach. You can contact us by phone or via the form on our website!
Haufe (2023): Liposuction recognized as an extraordinary burden. (https://www.haufe.de/steuern/rechtsprechung/aufwendungen-fuer-eine-operative-fettabsaugung-liposuktion_166_599004.html)
Lipocheck: Can I deduct lipedema healthcare costs from my taxes? (https://lipocheck.de/magazin/kann-ich-die-lipodem-gesundheitskosten-von-der-steuer-absetzen)
Lohnsteuerkompakt: Liposuction for lipoedema patients tax-deductible – BFH provides clarity. (https://www.lohnsteuer-kompakt.de/steuerwissen/liposuktion-fuer-lipoedem-patienten-steuerlich-absetzbar-bfh-schafft-klarheit/)
Dr. Thomas Witte is Medical Director of LipoClinic Dr. Heck and a specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery. With decades of surgical experience and a deep understanding of the individual needs of lipoedema patients, he is one of the leading experts in this field. His focus is on holistic, safe and empathetic care – always with the aim of restoring quality of life.
Medical Director
Specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery
Specialist in surgery and hand surgeon
