People 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.
Step 1: Get A Doctor’s Note
Request an official, written celiac disease 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.
For years beginning after December 31, 2012, you may deduct only the amount of your total medical expenses that exceed 10% of your Adjusted Gross Income.
Step 4: File Your Claim
Fill out form 1040 schedule A for medical deductions.
Refer to:
- IRS Publication 502
- Revenue Rulings: 55-261, 76-80, 2002-19 and 67 TC 481
- Cohen 38 TC 387
- Flemming TC MEMO 1980 583
- Van Kalb TC MEMO 1978 366
Feel free to cite these references in your tax paperwork. For specific circumstances, contact an accountant.
Please note that Beyond Celiac is not providing tax advice and this information does not substitute for consulting with your tax advisor.
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