UK tax relief for cosmetic surgery?

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http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/html/uncomp/articleshow?msid=12549

Celebrities in UK to get tax relief for cosmetic surgeryPTI[ MONDAY, JUNE 09, 2003 01:34:38 AM ]

LONDON: Celebrities like Indian-born controversial author Salman Rushdie and actress Ash may claim tax rebate in Britain to offset the cost of cosmetic surgery they had undergone, if they are shown part of "business expenses" to boost their careers, media reported on careers.

"We have granted tax breaks to leading film stars who proved that their facial appearance and bust size made a significant business difference," a senior Revenue insider told the Sunday Times.

It is understood that breast implants and botox injections, which freeze the facial muscles that cause wrinkles, can now be claimed with relatively few questions. Those who could be eligible for this rebate include author Salman Rushdie, who has had eyelid surgery or actress Ash, who recently had a disastrous lip-enhancement surgery.

For years broadcasters, models and film stars have been able to claim clothing and other fashion accessories against tax. Now the cost of face-lifts, breast implants, botox injections and teeth whitening can be claimed, provided they are shown to be a legitimate "business expense".

At least three celebrities - two in film and one in broadcasting - are said by Revenue insiders to have made successful claims, and accountants are preparing dozens more.

The tax concession was granted after a test case in which a radio broadcaster who recently moved to television successfully argued he needed his teeth straightened to land a new job.

Details of the new tax break, which are yet to be announced, are likely to provoke anger from ordinary taxpayers who have lost a range of valuable tax perks in recent years.

Last year 110,000 cosmetic surgery procedures took place in Britain - an 83 per cent increase over the previous five years, according to a study from Mintel, a market research firm.

The revenue guidelines could further open the floodgates. Clinics report a growing number of executives undergoing treatment as studies show that looking younger can boost career and earning prospects.