Individuals diagnosed with celiac disease may be able to receive tax deductions for expenses associated with gluten-free foods and products. However, there are a few catches to obtaining them.
Here are a few tips to help you through all the procedures and paperwork:
Step 1: Get A Doctor’s Note
Request an official, written celiac diagnosis from your doctor.
Submit this documentation with your other completed forms (see Step 4). Make sure to keep a copy for your records!
Step 2: Save Your Receipts
Keep receipts of all gluten-free purchases from grocery stores, bakeries and anywhere else you buy gluten-free items.
Step 3: Break Out the Calculator
List the prices of gluten-free foods compared to those of regular foods. The difference between those prices is tax-deductible. For example, if a pound of wheat flour costs $0.89 and a pound of rice flour costs $3.25, then you may deduct $2.36 for each pound of rice flour purchased.
Products like xanthan gum and sorghum flour are completely tax-deductible as they have no "regular" counterpart but are purchased to meet your dietary needs. Shipping costs for online purchases are also permissible deductions.
Step 4: File Your Claim
Fill out form 1040 schedule A for medical deductions.
Refer to:
Feel free to cite these references in your tax paperwork. For specific circumstances, contact an accountant.
More information:
IRS Tax Topics: Medical and Dental Expenses