Are vitamins considered medical expenses for the IRS?

Asked by: Jed Bosco  |  Last update: August 6, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (48 votes)

Definition of Medical Expenses They also include the costs of equipment, supplies and diagnostic devices. Medical care expenses must be primarily to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental defect or illness. They do not include expenses that are merely beneficial to general health, such as vitamins or a vacation.

Are vitamins fees tax deductible?

With the exception of Vitamin B12, vitamins, and supplements do not qualify as a deductible expense, even if prescribed by a licensed physician. This also includes supplements other than Vitamin B12 that require a prescription to purchase.

Are medical supplement premiums tax deductible?

If you're self-employed and your business shows a profit you can claim your health insurance premiums as a tax deduction. This includes premiums for Medicare Parts A and B, Medicare Advantage, Part D prescription drug plans and Medicare Supplement plans .

Can you write off health and wellness for taxes?

According to IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel, while legitimate medical expenses are eligible for reimbursement under these accounts, personal health and wellness expenses are not.

What medical expenses are not tax deductible?

Non-tax-deductible medical expenses include the following: Cosmetic procedures. Nonprescription drugs. General health purchases such as toothpaste and vitamins.

How To Claim Medical Expenses On Taxes (How To Deduct Medical Expenses On Taxes)

41 related questions found

Are vitamins tax deductible?

You are not allowed to deduct expenses that are for general health purposes, such as gym memberships, vitamins, and diet food. You also cannot deduct payments for future medical and dental services. Below are some other services and items that are likely not tax deductible: Deodorant.

What are IRS qualified medical expenses?

Medical expenses are the costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and for the purpose of affecting any part or function of the body. These expenses include payments for legal medical services rendered by physicians, surgeons, dentists, and other medical practitioners.

Is it worth claiming medical expenses on taxes?

The medical expense deduction covers a wide variety of expenses. However, because of the high Standard Deduction and the 7.5% of AGI threshold requirement, it can be difficult to benefit unless you have a lot of out-of-pocket costs.

What proof do I need to deduct medical expenses?

You should also keep a statement or itemized invoice showing:
  • What medical care was received.
  • Who received the care.
  • The nature and purpose of any medical expenses.
  • The amount of the other medical expenses.

Are glasses tax deductible?

The money spent on reading or prescription eyeglasses can be considered a tax-deductible medical expense. By categorizing glasses under "medical expenses" and itemizing deductions on form 104, Schedule A, you may be able to lower your tax burden.

What is the extra standard deduction for seniors over 65?

For 2024, the additional standard deduction amounts for taxpayers who are 65 and older or blind are: $1,950 for Single or Head of Household (increase of $100) $1,550 for married taxpayers or Qualifying Surviving Spouse (increase of $50)

Are dental expenses tax deductible?

Medical expenses include dental expenses, and in this publication the term “medical expenses” is often used to refer to medical and dental expenses. You can deduct on Schedule A (Form 1040) only the part of your medical and dental expenses that is more than 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI).

Does my Medicare Supplement have a deductible?

Medicare Part A deductible is covered by Plans B, C, D, F, G, M, and N. Plan A of a Medicare Supplement insurance does not cover the deductible for Medicare Part A, which in 2023 is $1600. Plans K and L cover 50% and 75% of the deductible. The insured must pay the rest of the deductible.

What is the tax on vitamins?

Most states have no special rules for sales tax on dietary supplements and vitamins. The products are tax-exempt (more or less) in the District of Columbia, Florida, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

How much can I claim without receipts?

$300 maximum claims rule

This rule states that if the total of your work-related expenses is $300 or less (not including car, travel, and overtime meal expenses, which can be claimed separately), you can claim the total amount as a tax deduction without receipts.

Is it worth the expense to take extra vitamins?

The medical consensus is that there are no miracles in those bottles. Multiple studies have found that taking extra vitamins and minerals doesn't protect against disease or improve overall health in otherwise healthy people.

What Cannot be claimed as a medical expense?

Examples of Medical and Dental Payments you CANNOT deduct:

Health club dues, gym membership fees, or spa dues. Electrolysis or hair removal. The cost of diet food or nutritional supplements (vitamins, herbal supplements, "natural medicines") Teeth whitening.

Is car insurance tax deductible?

If you only use your car for personal use, then you likely can't deduct your car insurance premiums from your taxable income. Generally, you need to use your vehicle for business-related reasons (other than as an employee) to deduct part of your car insurance premiums as a business expense.

Is memory care tax deductible?

If you or a loved one live in an Assisted Living or Memory Care community, all or part of your care costs may qualify for the medical expense tax deduction. The medical expenses included in the fees for Assisted Living or Memory Care can be written off on taxes—with some qualifications and restrictions.

What does the IRS allow for medical deductions?

Medical Expense Deduction

On Form 1040, medical and dental expenses are deducted on Schedule A, Itemized Deductions. You can deduct only the amount of your medical and dental expenses that is more than 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income shown on Form 1040, line 38.

How much medical expenses can I claim without receipts?

Share: If you're itemizing deductions, the IRS generally allows you a medical expenses deduction if you have unreimbursed expenses that are more than 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income.

What can you deduct if you don't itemize?

You can deduct these expenses whether you take the standard deduction or itemize:
  • Alimony payments.
  • Business use of your car.
  • Business use of your home.
  • Money you put in an IRA.
  • Money you put in health savings accounts.
  • Penalties on early withdrawals from savings.
  • Student loan interest.
  • Teacher expenses.

Are vitamins a qualified medical expense?

Tax-deductible medical expenses are only items that are used primarily to alleviate or prevent a specific health condition. Items that are only beneficial to general health, such as vitamins or a vacation, are not tax-deductible.

Are eyeglasses tax deductible?

That's because glasses count as a “medical expense,” which can be claimed as an itemized deductible on form 104, Schedule A. You can also deduct your spouse's glasses (if you are filing together) as well as your dependents' glasses. Of course, as with anything involving the IRS, there are exceptions and stipulations.

Is a gym membership tax deductible?

The IRS typically does not allow taxpayers to deduct gym memberships or other costs associated with general health and wellness. The main reason is that these expenses are considered personal, even if they contribute indirectly to improved work performance, stress reduction, or overall well-being.