Is Tattoo Removal Tax-Deductible in the USA? (2025 Guide)

The decision to get rid of a tattoo is a very difficult one for everyone, because each tattoo has not only aesthetic, but also psychological significance for the wearer. And getting rid of a tattoo means erasing an important event in life. In addition to this psychologically difficult moment, by making this decision, you should also be prepared for quite large financial expenses. Tattoo removal is a rather expensive procedure, but is it also tax-deductible? The answer to this question depends on the reason for removing the tattoo. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with our 2025 guide, where we will talk about the approach of the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to cosmetic procedures.

We will understand in which cases tattoo removal is considered a medically necessary procedure, how to document it properly for tax deduction. According to IRS Publication 502, cosmetic procedures are not tax deductible—unless they are medically necessary. That is, if you decide to get rid of a tattoo because you regret getting it or because your aesthetic taste has changed, then in this case the removal of your tattoo will not be tax deductible. Even if you have to get rid of a tattoo because, for example, you have a new job and wearing a tattoo does not meet the new job requirements, you still will not receive a tax deduction.

And yet, there are cases of tattoo removal that are an exception. They could fall under the IRS’s definition of a qualified medical expense. According to IRS Publication 502, medical expenses are the costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and for the purpose of affecting any part or function of the body.

When Is Tattoo Removal Considered a Medical Expense?

Tattoo removal may be considered a medical expense if there is written confirmation from a licensed doctor. Examples include cases of chronic ink allergies or skin inflammation, radiation tattoos that are part of treatment and are done for a specific purpose. Tattoo removal is also considered a medical expense if the tattoo was done under duress and caused psychological problems. In order to substantiate your claim, you must have a written recommendation from a physician to remove the tattoo.

IRS Rules for Deducting Tattoo Removal

In order to legally claim a tattoo removal fee on your tax return, it

Must be a qualified unreimbursed medical expense

It must exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI) (as of 2025 rules)

Must be itemised under Schedule A on IRS Form 1040

You must retain:

A doctor’s prescription or letter

Payment receipts from certified clinics

Optional: photographs or diagnosis records

Real-Life Examples

For example, removing a tattoo in preparation for a wedding is considered cosmetic and is not deductible. Removing radiation marker tattoos is deductible because it is considered a part of cancer recovery. Removal due to severe ink allergy is considered a medical necessity and is deductible. Gang-related tattoo causing PTSD is also deductible. It requires documentation. Removing for job interview is not a medical necessity and is not deductible. You can get more information about cosmetic and medical deductions here.

Which professional should you consult?

To understand whether your case meets all the requirements and to be able to provide the appropriate documentation, you should consult with a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Tax attorney, or Enrolled Agent (EA).

Summary

There are two answers to the question of whether tattoo removal is tax-deductible: usually no, and in some cases yes. The IRS does not provide a tax deduction if the removal is done for aesthetic purposes, purely for appearance. And you may be able to get a tax deduction if the tattoo removal is done for medical reasons and is necessary for your health, whether mental or physical.