does anyone know if our protein and calcium supplements are tax deductible?

Since they are necessary to maintain good health for us, I am trying to find out if I can deduct them on my taxes. I posted this on my state board, but no one has replied. thanks, Eileen

It is my understanding that in certain conditions, Yes. You can get your surgeon to write a letter to put in your taxes that it is necessary for your health to have the supplements and vitamins. However,  it is also my understanding that you  must meet a specific percentage of out of pocket expenses to get this deduction. I can't remember what the percentage of your salary is...but your accountant would know or the IRS web page has deduction information .

99.9% of the time no. check with IRS or your state.

my friends accountant said that she could. So I'm going to try.

Yea all medicaly-nessisary (meaning you could die with out ot) things can be writen off under medicine. just keep your recepts and if they ask get a note from your surgen stating what you need and how often!

I'm not sure about taxes, but I do know that if you have access to a Medical Flexible Spending Account, you can use "pretax" money to pay for Protein Supplements and any Vitamins your Dr will write a prescription for as medically necessary.  I've done this for the last 4 years .   The State/Fed tax stuff is tricky.  I'd get something in writing from both before I claimed it.  Audits are hell. Cathy

I actually deducted my protein supplements, vitamins, and all related things and was audited and after quite a battle, i received the exact amount of my refund plus interest so they included all mine as medically necessary.  I had my dr write a letter stating the surgery I had and that supplemental protein and vitamins were necessary.  He named them all just to be clear.  The battle was never specific to the wls items - there were 5 items they were questioning, only one of which was medical expenses.  Remember you can also have your dr write a letter for the necessity of a gym membership and deduct that as well.  With many of us since we have to pay for our own surgery or have a high copay (mine was 5k) our expenses are already over the amount necessary to claim them.

Get a prescription from your doctor - if they are medically necessary (in the eyes of a doctor) they are tax deductable.