I'm on kidney dialysis. Besides being on a restrictive diet, my Nephrologist has advised me to take specific over the counter vitamins to supplement my diet and to bring my monthly documented kidney readings inline with what the dialysis machine cannot do. Can I claim these expenses as legitimate medical deductions?

ANSWER

The BIDaWIZ Team's Answer:

You are correct that generally over-the-counter vitamins are not eligible tax deductions. However, if those vitamins they are recommended by a medical practitioner as treatment for a specific medical condition diagnosed by a physician, you can deduct it on your Schedule A of your Form 1040. Make sure that you have a letter or note from your doctor detailing the recommendation. This is referenced in IRS Publication 502 and IRC Section 213.