Tax Deductions for Gluten-Free Food Expenses

Don't forget to talk to your accountant about deducting the extra expenses related to your gluten-free diet. Several IRS rulings seem to suggest that if your total medical expenses for the year exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income, you may be able to deduct the difference in cost between “regular” food products and gluten-free alternatives, as well as the total cost of items that would not be purchased at all if not for the gluten-free diet (such as xantham gum or sorghum flour, for example), and shipping costs. Only food used by a celiac patient would be deductible. Every receipt must be saved, along with documentation of local prices for gluten-containing foods to prove the difference in cost. You’ll also need a doctor’s letter to confirm the diagnosis and the need for the gluten-free diet.

More information, along with links to sources for IRS rulings, can be found in our article on cutting the costs of the gluten-free diet.