Can we claim vitamins/supplements? I have spent a small fortune.
Posted by momlyme (Member # 27775) on :
I don't think so since they are classified as food.
Posted by ConnieMc (Member # 191) on :
From the IRS website:
Nutritional Supplements
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.
Note the following phrase: UNLESS THEY ARE RECOMMENDED BY A MEDICAL PRACTITIONER AS TREATMENT FOR A SPECIFIC MEDICAL CONDITION DIAGNOSED BY A PHYSICIAN.
I have done this for years. What you need to do is list the supplements, vitamins, etc you have taken throughout the tax year in a letter format. At the top, put: I am treating __________ for tick borne infections and over the course of 2010, I recommended that s/he take the following nutritional supplements as part of the treatment regimen for her/his diagnosis:
Then have your doctor sign/date at the bottom of the page.
You do not need to submit this to IRS. Just keep it with your tax records in case you are ever audited.
This is a legit medical expense as long as your doctor is willing to put this in writing.
Posted by momlyme (Member # 27775) on :
Good info Connie... thanks!
This is a huge expense. The list would be very long. Just wondering how to present this list to be signed...
Perhaps putting them all in a neat spreadsheet with check boxes in case there is something they do not want to recommend?
Posted by LymeMom Kellye (Member # 24807) on :
We spent over $15K in 2010 on supplements. No way I am not deducting!
Connie thanks for the idea about the letter.
My LLND also writes out the supplements on a chart note along with the abx and other rx has us taking.
I have saved every receipt last year. Our out of pocket medical expenses were $42K in 2010.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
What about for those of us who are well? Gotta be a way to deduct?
I've lost TONS of money over the years because every time I've asked a doctor about it they've said (or their office has said) that they can't do it.
Posted by TF (Member # 14183) on :
Also, you can deduct your expenses of traveling to see the lyme doctor if you itemize your deductions.
You can claim air fare, hotel bill, parking fees, etc. and so much per mile for driving your car.
This is great for those whose doc is out of state.
Posted by randibear (Member # 11290) on :
HA!!!!!
i don't even want to think about what i've spent and the money lost, too, because i was allergic or couldn't take it due to side effects.
unfortunately i can't claim any cause no doctor will write a script for them.
Posted by peacemama (Member # 17666) on :
Just get a letter to the IRS from your doctor. I had her write a letter for everything. Including clean water, my chlorine filter and everything else she recommended.