What legally is and isn’t tax-deductible can often be confusing.
Expenses for professional medical services and prescription drugs are usually tax-deductible.
When it comes to over-the-counter (OTC) medications and supplies, though, it is a gray area.
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Some items you might think are deductible are not, while other items are but only in certain circumstances.
The IRS rules about tax deductions can change from year to year.
It is important to check the list of acceptable deductions annually for changes or updates to the rules.
This article explains the different types of OTC medical expenses that are commonly tax-deductible.
What Are Medical Expenses?
This includes physical and mental health conditions and medical issues that affect bodily functions.
Medical services provided byphysicians,surgeons,dentists, and other medical professionals are tax-deductible expenses.
Medical equipment, supplies, and diagnostic testing are as well.
Healthinsurancepremiums, copays, and transportation to medical appointments are tax-deductible.
Qualified long-term care services are deductible, and certain long-term care insurance contracts may also be partially deductible.
Items that are only beneficial to general health, such as vitamins or a vacation, are not tax-deductible.
Tax-Deductible Medical Expenses
Some tax-deductible medical expenses may surprise you.
For example, transportation to medical appointments is deductible.
Bandages and contact lens solution are tax-deductible.
But over-the-counter medications, like pain relievers or laxatives, are not.
Here is a closer look at what is and what is not tax-deductible.
Only transportation and entrance fees are deductible.
Only prescription medications are tax-deductible expenses.
The only exception is insulin purchased OTC, as long as you have a prescription for it.
What OTC medical supplies are deductible?
Is medical marijuana tax deductible?
Can I deduct medication purchased online?
Can I deduct vitamins and supplements from my taxes?
Are dental care products tax-deductible?
Standard dental products, like a toothbrush or toothpaste, are considered personal care items and are not tax-deductible.
The excess cost of the item may be deductible but requires filing a specific form.
Is nicotine replacement therapy deductible?
Nicotine is available over the counter and therefore not a tax-deductible expense.
you’re free to, however, deduct costs related to quit-smoking programs.
Are nutritionist expenses tax-deductible?
Costs for a nutritionist are tax deductible only when recommended by a doctor to treat a diagnosed medical condition.
For example, heart disease and diabetes are both treated through diet.
Visits to a dietitian for nutritional support for these conditions are tax-deductible.
Are allergy medications tax-deductible?
OTC allergy medications, such as Allegra or Zyrtec, are not tax deductible.
Prescription medications used to treat allergies, including EpiPens and inhalers, are tax-deductible.
Are eyeglasses a deductible expense?
Yes, as long as they are corrective glasses.
This includes reading glasses purchased over the counter.
Contact lenses and contact lens supplies, such as saline solution, are also deductible expenses.
A Word From Verywell
Tax laws change from year to year.
The allowable deductions listed in this article are current for 2022 taxes filed in 2023.
This article is not a substitute for professional accounting services.
just consult a competent tax professional for answers to specific questions about tax-deductible medical expenses.
Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service.Publication 502: medical and dental expenses.
Internal Revenue Service.Topic No.
502, Medical and Dental Expenses.
Internal Revenue Service.Publication 503 (2022), Child and Dependent Care Expenses.
Internal Revenue Service.Publication 502 (2022), Medical and Dental Expenses.
Congressional Research Service.The Federal Status of Marijuana and the Expanding Policy Gap with States.
Internal Revenue Service.Frequently asked questions about medical expenses related to nutrition, wellness, and general health.
