If you or a member of your household suffers from celiac disease and have been diagnosed, you can receive tax deductions on gluten-free purchases and even products bought to assist those living gluten-free lives. It takes a little bit of paperwork, as all worthwhile tax deductions do, but the savings could be stellar when you consider the potential heft of your tax return by subtracting these expenses. Here are the specific ways in which the IRS allows gluten-free purchases to count toward deductions, and what you need to do to meet the requirements.
Since rice flour is significantly more expensive than wheat flour – about $0.90 more – those who must buy rice flour because of celiac disease are entitled to have that difference deducted off of all rice flour purchases that can be backed up by receipts. Substances such as xanthan gum and sorghum flour are also deemed completely tax deductible for a celiac sufferer. Products that are manufactured for the sole purpose of making gluten-free food are also included, such as a gluten free bread maker.
But in order to be entitled for these deductions, you must take the proper course of action. For starters, you won’t be able to receive the tax break simply by claiming that you suffer from celiac disease. Uncle Sam is going to want to see a doctor’s note explicitly declaring that you indeed suffer from the disease. You must also save all of your receipts. Because this is a particular tax deduction to request, so they’re going to want proof of your purchases. It’s also important to do your own math to make sure your figure adds up with those of the IRS. For most food purchases, you simply need to keep track of the difference between the gluten-free products you buy and the standard options.
To help you file for this tax deduction, get yourself a 1040 schedule A form, which is the form required to declare medical-related deductions. Be prepared to list the tax codes you are referencing for this deduction, which are as follows:
- 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
Follow these steps, be wary of the guidelines, and reap the savings. Celiac disease isn’t easy to live with, but the tax deductions that come with it are hard to turn down. (For more information consult your tax preparer to be sure you are in line with all of the guidelines.)
Disclosure – Consideration was given to review, edit, and post this article.
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