Can I deduct vitamins on my taxes?
Asked by: Prof. Francesco Weissnat | Last update: October 20, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (3 votes)
Are vitamins considered medical expenses for the IRS?
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.
Can I deduct over the counter medicine on my taxes?
Except for the cost of insulin, the cost of a drug that isn't prescribed by a physician is not a medical expense that is deductible under section 213 of the Code. However, the cost of over-the-counter drugs and also menstrual care products may be paid or reimbursed by an HSA, FSA, Archer MSA, or HRA.
Can you write off health products?
Prescription medications and necessary items such as glasses and hearing aids are also tax-deductible, and you can even deduct travel expenses such as parking fees, bus fare and gas mileage on your car. You can also include meals if you purchase them at a medical facility while receiving care.
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.
CPA EXPLAINS How To Deduct ALL Medical Expenses 🏥 From Taxes
What type of medical expenses are tax deductible?
- Acupuncture. You can include in medical expenses the amount you pay for acupuncture. ...
- Ambulance. You can include in medical expenses amounts you pay for ambulance service. ...
- Artificial Limb. ...
- Bandages. ...
- Body Scan. ...
- Breast Pumps and Supplies.
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 medical expenses are allowed on the IRS?
How Much of the Expenses Can You Deduct? Generally, you can deduct on Schedule A (Form 1040) only the amount of your medical and dental expenses that is more than 7.5% of your AGI.
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.
Are prescription glasses tax deductible?
You can deduct the costs for prescription eyeglasses and eye exams on your tax return. But they must be a part of your itemized medical deductions, which need to exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income.
Can I write off copays on my taxes?
Medical expenses that can qualify for tax deductions—as long as they're not reimbursed—include copays, deductibles and coinsurance.
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.
Can I write off a new cell phone purchase?
You can qualify for a cell phone tax deduction from cell phone charges incurred when the mobile phone is being used exclusively for business. There is not an IRS cell phone deduction for self employed people, exclusively. However, you can also deduct additional business expenses that you incur.
What proof do I need to deduct medical expenses?
- What medical care was received.
- Who received the care.
- The nature and purpose of any medical expenses.
- The amount of the other medical expenses.
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.
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.
Are vitamins and supplements 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.
Can a watch be a tax write-off?
Common write-offs or deductions include mortgage interest, interest on student loans and business equipment. Clothing and accessories can be write-offs, but only in very limited circumstances. Sadly, luxury watches like a Rolex are not on the list.
What kind of memberships are tax-deductible?
Learn which types of dues you pay to professional, business, and civic organizations are deductible business expenses. Dues you pay to professional, business, and civic organizations are deductible business expenses, as long as the organization's main purpose is not to provide entertainment facilities to members.
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 medical items are tax deductible?
The IRS allows you to deduct unreimbursed expenses for preventative care, treatment, surgeries, and dental and vision care as qualifying medical expenses.
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.
What is the one supplement everyone should take?
1. Multivitamin. A good quality multivitamin is one of the most important supplements for optimal health. According to the CDC, the vast majority of Americans are not able to meet their nutrient needs by diet alone.
What vitamins help in hair growth?
- Vitamin A: Your hair needs adequate vitamin A aka retinol for growth. ...
- Vitamin B: Biotin is one of the best known vitamins that contribute to hair growth, deficiency of which can lead to hair loss. ...
- Vitamin E: Vitamin E is an antioxidant. ...
- Vitamin C: ...
- Iron: ...
- Zinc: ...
- Iodine: ...
- Selenium:
What vitamins are not a waste of money?
- Creatine. Creatine is typically thought of as a nutritional supplement for strength and power athletes, and for good reason. ...
- Fish Oil. ...
- Iron. ...
- Multivitamin/multimineral. ...
- Powdered Greens. ...
- Vitamin D. ...
- Whey Protein.