Cosmetic Procedures In New Jersey Are Soon to Be Tax-Free

04-Feb-2012

EDISON, NEW JERSEY - During a New Jersey Legislation session in early January 2012, Governor Chris Christie decided to review an 8-year-old 6 percent tax on elective plastic surgery.

In 2004 the law was passed to tax plastic and cosmetic surgery in New Jersey as an effort to raise funds in the state. Initially the tax was supposed to bring in more than $25 million in its first year, but it didn't work as well as planned and only brought in $7 million.

The law includes only cosmetic medical procedures that are directed at improving the patient's appearance and do not promote the proper function of the body or prevent or treat illness or disease.

"I can perform a nasal surgery on someone to help them breathe better and they do not have to pay the tax," said Dr. Andrew Miller, a New Jersey facelift and plastic surgeon. "But if that same person came in and wanted to have a nasal surgery to improve their self-confidence, they would have to pay the tax. It's absurd."