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Schedule A & gluten-free expenses: the basics

Where gluten-free premiums fit, and what your CPA or tax professional will look for.

This is orientation, not advice. The goal is to help you walk into a conversation with your CPA or tax professional knowing the vocabulary.

How Schedule A frames this

Schedule A is the itemized-deduction schedule on the US federal return. Medical and dental expenses go in its first section, subject to the 7.5% AGI threshold.

What counts as the gluten-free premium

The IRS has long-standing guidance — see IRS Publication 502 — that the excess cost of gluten-free food over its non-gluten-free equivalent, when prescribed by a doctor for a diagnosed medical condition, may belong on Schedule A. The excess is the dollar amount above the price of the regular equivalent.

Documentation your CPA will want

  • A diagnosis or doctor's note for the medical necessity.
  • Receipts itemized to show GF price vs regular price.
  • Mileage logs for trips made specifically to obtain GF food.
  • Related medical expenses (appointments, tests, certain supplements).

Gluten Hero produces all of the above as one CPA-Ready Report — reports ready for your CPA or tax professional to review before filing Schedule A.

Further reading

  • IRS Publication 502 — Medical and Dental Expenses.
  • Your CPA or tax professional's own playbook for celiac clients.

WARN — Required disclaimer Gluten Hero is a financial tracking and planning tool. It does not provide tax, legal, or medical advice. Always confirm details with official resources and qualified professionals.

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