SMOKING CESSATION PROGRAMS

The IRS has ruled that unreimbursed amounts paid by taxpayers for participation in smoking-cessation programs and for prescribed drugs designed to alleviate nicotine withdrawal are expenses for medical care that are deductible subject to the AGI limitation. However, because of the prohibition of deductions for most non-prescription drugs, no deductions are permitted for the costs of nonprescription nicotine gum and certain nicotine patches.