Has anyone taken the expense of vitamins and food off on their taxes??

[Guest guest]

If you did, how did you file? I vaguely remember someone about a year ago

mentioning this but I cannot seem to find the info. Please advise.

[Guest guest]

They have to be prescribed by a physician.

From IRS Pub. 502: Medical and Dental Expenses:

" You cannot include in medical expenses the cost of nutritional

supplements, vitamins, herbal supplements, “natural medicines,” etc.

unless they are recommended by a medical practitioner as treatment for a

specific medical condition diagnosed by a physician. Otherwise, these

items are taken to maintain your ordinary good health, and are not for

medical care. "

http://www.irs.gov/publications/p502/ar02.html#en_US_publink1000179074

" You can include the cost of special food in medical expenses only if:

1. The food does not satisfy normal nutritional needs,

2. The food alleviates or treats an illness, and

3. The need for the food is substantiated by a physician.

The amount you can include in medical expenses is limited to the amount

by which the cost of the special food exceeds the cost of a normal diet. "

http://www.irs.gov/publications/p502/ar02.html#en_US_publink1000179034

" You may deduct only the amount by which your total medical care

expenses for the year exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. You do

this calculation on Form 1040 Schedule A in computing the amount

deductible. "

Andie wrote:

>

> If you did, how did you file? I vaguely remember someone about a year

> ago mentioning this but I cannot seem to find the info. Please advise.

>

>