Tax Deductions for Gluten-Free!!

I have to first say sorry that it has been 5 days since my last post. I have been under the weather like way down so now that it is over I am back!! One thing that is a big advantage to us celiacs is tax deduction yes it is true and this is why. People with celiac disease on a medically prescribed gluten free diet, you may be able to deduct some of your costs for GF food. Also education and other resources necessary to maintain the diet, lifestyle, as a medical deduction on your taxes. Some things you need to know
1. Have available a letter from your doctor that states you have been diagnosed with celiac disease and must adhere to a strict gluten free diet for life as treatment for the disease. Without a medical diagnosis you may not be able to claim the GF diet as a medical expense.
2. You can claim only the difference between a similar wheat based product and the gluten free product. For example, if wheat flour costs $ 3 per 5lb, and rice flour is $ 5 per 5lbs, the difference of $ 2 is tax deductible.
3. You may also claim mileage expense for the extra trip to the health-food store and shipping costs for mail orderer cookbooks, and a portion of the cost to attend educational programs on managing your disease.
4. Specialty items, such as xanthan gum used in gluten free home baked goods is not an item normally purchased for home baking and so the total cost of it can be claimed.
5. Keep your receipts as documentation. It is important to add to your documentation a list of similar products that contain wheat and the cost of those items. Keep with your records to document how arrived at the difference in costs.
6. Of course, your total medical expenses, including those for your GF foods, must meet the percentage of income guidelines according to the IRS rules order to be able to deduct your GF foods.
 I know it may seem like to much work but it is not really and be leave me you will reach your percentage amount. We all know this is not a cheep diet.
 If the IRS should question your ability to take these deductions. you may want to give the IRS representative the following citations that IRS has ruled that the deduction can be taken.
. RevenueRuling 55-261, . Cohen 38TC 387, . RevenueRuling 76-80, 67 TC 481, . FlemmingTC MEMO 1980 583, . Van Kalb TC MEMO 1978 366.

I hope this information will help you out on your taxes. Also just a reminder our support group meets this Tuesday February 8th at St. Marks hospital at 7:00 pm please come we would love to have you there. Have a great night.
Pamela