For self-employed professionals, managing expenses is crucial for maintaining financial health. One area that often raises questions is the tax deductibility of glasses. Understanding whether this common necessity can be considered a business expense has significant implications for one’s tax obligations.
Tax Deductibility Criteria
Under current IRS rules, prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses are medical expenses that are claimed on Schedule A (Form 1040), and only the portion of total medical expenses that exceeds 7.5% of adjusted gross income (AGI) is deductible. 1Internal Revenue Service. Publication 502, Medical and Dental Expenses
Generally, personal health costs aren’t deductible as business expenses. The IRS treats business deductions as “ordinary and necessary” costs of operating the business, while personal, living, and family expenses are not deductible as business costs. 2Internal Revenue Service. Publication 334, Tax Guide for Small Business
Documentation remains essential. Keep prescriptions and receipts for any glasses you intend to treat as medical expenses, along with records showing when the expense was paid. If you intend to use a tax-favored account, retain proof that the purchase meets your plan’s rules.
Glasses as a Business Expense
Prescription glasses are not a business expense for self-employed individuals; they are a personal medical expense even when you need them to perform your work. Do not claim them on Schedule C as a business deduction. 3Internal Revenue Service. Publication 334, Tax Guide for Small Business
If you’re HSA-eligible, you can pay for prescription eyeglasses from a Health Savings Account because HSAs cover qualified medical expenses that generally match those allowable under Publication 502. 4Internal Revenue Service. Publication 969, HSAs and Other Tax-Favored Health Plans
For those using a Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA) through a spouse’s or former employer plan, eyeglasses are typically an eligible expense; check your specific plan rules for details on reimbursement timing and documentation.
Personal vs. Business Use
Wearing the same glasses in and out of work doesn’t convert them into a business expense. The tax treatment follows their nature as a personal medical item, not where or how often you use them.
If you plan to itemize medical deductions, maintain clear records: the prescription, the amount paid, and the date paid. If you use an HSA or FSA, keep documentation that the purchase qualifies under your plan and IRS rules.