Disclaimer: This is part of a series of posts that forum moderators have identified as containing “bogus information.”
National restaurant chains are gearing up for a new twist in the post-holiday diet season. Starting New Year’s Day, they will provide “health clinic” memberships that will be tax-deductible as a medical expense. This builds on a long-standing IRS policy (Revenue Ruling 2002-19) that considers obesity to be a disease and allows a tax deduction for prescription weight-loss programs. Most states do not require a medical license for weight-loss practitioners, so the restaurants will train franchise managers to make the diagnosis and prescription for their customers.
“We will not offer new menu items because our food is already very healthy,” explained one CEO whose company specializes in Mexican-style meals. “The emphasis will be on cutting calories through smaller portions.” Membership meals will be served with Calorie-Counter tokens, as well as a foil doggie bag so you can save some of your purchase for later instead of eating it all at once. The tokens can be exchanged for free food when you collect a certain number of calories.
The tax deduction is only allowed for the extra cost of diet food over regular food. To meet this requirement, the health clinics will offer normal portions at super-sized prices. Although this costs more than the same items on the regular menu, it is tax-deductible and reduces calories by at least 12%. “Our goal is to leave the customer hungry for more,” said the top executive.
National restaurant chains are gearing up for a new twist in the post-holiday diet season. Starting New Year’s Day, they will provide “health clinic” memberships that will be tax-deductible as a medical expense. This builds on a long-standing IRS policy (Revenue Ruling 2002-19) that considers obesity to be a disease and allows a tax deduction for prescription weight-loss programs. Most states do not require a medical license for weight-loss practitioners, so the restaurants will train franchise managers to make the diagnosis and prescription for their customers.
“We will not offer new menu items because our food is already very healthy,” explained one CEO whose company specializes in Mexican-style meals. “The emphasis will be on cutting calories through smaller portions.” Membership meals will be served with Calorie-Counter tokens, as well as a foil doggie bag so you can save some of your purchase for later instead of eating it all at once. The tokens can be exchanged for free food when you collect a certain number of calories.
The tax deduction is only allowed for the extra cost of diet food over regular food. To meet this requirement, the health clinics will offer normal portions at super-sized prices. Although this costs more than the same items on the regular menu, it is tax-deductible and reduces calories by at least 12%. “Our goal is to leave the customer hungry for more,” said the top executive.
I think the managers should also be trained to give vision exams. Or with all this recent fast food e-coli, restaurant employees could charge for driving patrons to the hospital...that would be a real medical expense! Better yet, why not introduce the Mc1040 Meal. That would include tax prep done by a trained employee dressed like the famous clown himself.
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