US Tax Deductions for gluten-free as a Celiac

[Ennis_TX 645]

So I keep a itemized list of my flours, mixes, pizza crust, breads, noodles that I use that are gluten-free with the price I paid, the price the plain name brand is for the gluten version, and the price difference. I also keep copies of all the receipts for a audit if they require one. For submission on tax deductions at the end of the year. I do have a few questions, I know some items for medical expenses related to the disease can be written off also, but can I write off gluten test strips or testing capsules? Like for the nima?

Other thoughts I am not a complete ass taking all the advantage of it by adding medications, supplments, chips, condiments etc to it, should I be adding these also? Does anyone else?

I know I can add conference fees for medical conferences, and travel expenses to see these if related to my disease to the deduction list. Does a gluten free expo count on this since they do have speakers talking about aspects in this regard?

 

[kareng 2,152]

3 minutes ago, Ennis_TX said:

So I keep a itemized list of my flours, mixes, pizza crust, breads, noodles that I use that are gluten-free with the price I paid, the price the plain name brand is for the gluten version, and the price difference. I also keep copies of all the receipts for a audit if they require one. For submission on tax deductions at the end of the year. I do have a few questions, I know some items for medical expenses related to the disease can be written off also, but can I write off gluten test strips or testing capsules? Like for the nima?

Other thoughts I am not a complete ass taking all the advantage of it by adding medications, supplments, chips, condiments etc to it, should I be adding these also? Does anyone else?

I know I can add conference fees for medical conferences, and travel expenses to see these if related to my disease to the deduction list. Does a gluten free expo count on this since they do have speakers talking about aspects in this regard?

 

Those are questions for a tax accountant.  Really, you can deduct anything you like.... its just if they decide to audit you.

[Ennis_TX 645]

Ah found https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p502.pdf  

The nima I think falls under diagnostic devices, really need to ask and accountant on that one lol. gluten-free versions of medications and any supplements that are not prescribed by a doctor are not covered and can not be deducted. All the food can be and the price differences between them as long as they have nutritional value (beverages, diet foods, etc if any can not be deducted). So just sticking to the breads, flours, mixes etc seems a safe route....actually makes it worth it to just buy premade gluten-free breads and pizza crust a bit this way lol.

[Gemini 836]

Ennis....pertaining to food deductions, you can deduct the price difference between those items that you would have to buy a gluten free version of because there are no other options......like all the mixes and things mentioned.  Chips, not so much, as many chips are already gluten free so it would not apply.  Those would be your safest bet as you probably will be audited for doing this.  That's how the IRS works. If there are big changes regarding deductions, that will raise a red flag and your chances of being audited go up.  You sound like you keep good records so don't sweat it if you will gain a benefit in income from doing so. 

You do realize that you have to have a minimum of 10% of your adjusted gross income to even begin to deduct anything?

[Hellodee2 3]

I tried saving receipts and itemizing everything one year. It came out just a few dollars below the standard deduction so I don't even bother anymore. Plus, I don't eat much bread or noodles, the older I get. The hassle of being gluten free has turned me into a fresh fruit, vegetable and meat person. 

Good luck.