You are here: Home > Uncategorized > Health And Wellness Products

Health And Wellness Products

Posted in Uncategorized | August 27th, 2011

Can I deduct the cost of vitamins, nutrition supplements, and alternative therapies from my Income Tax if…?

…I am a professional speaker on the topic? I advocate the use of these lifestyles, therapies, and products for health, wellness, and slowing the aging process. I definitely practice what I preach. I use/do everything I recommend in my speeches. I am in my mid-50s and look (and act) much younger.

I know that I am a walking promotion for my speaking business and that my appearance and behavior validates my expertise/opinions in the audience’s eyes. Therefore, I have to believe that my personal use of vitamins, supplements, and other alternative therapies should fall under the category of a business expense and be tax deductible. I am told by colleagues that this is “probably” true, but no one can give me any hard data to back up that claim.

If you agree (or disagree), can you give me the references I would need and could use if the tax deductions are ever challenged by the IRS.

Thank you for you help.

The products you “take” yourself are not deductible, since they are personal in nature. The rationale is the same for your suits and personal appearance. You need to have nice clothes and have your hair cut etc for your speaking engagements, but they aren’t deductible either. You could wear that suit for something other than a speaking engagement. The supplements help you in other areas of your life, not just your professional one. However, you can deduct any supplements you use as samples or displays, that are not available for sale. If you have pills that are available for sale (inventory) they are deducted when sold.