Are new special oversized shoes required by prescribed orthotic device deductable.

Forum|Forum|7 years ago
June 6, 2019
1 reply
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I am thinking since "you gotta wear shoes" that new shoes would qualify but not replacements for worn out shoes.

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You may be able to deduct part of the cost of the shoes, if the special shoes cost more than a similar shoe that would not accept the orthotic device.

The best guidance on this issue comes from IRS Pub. 502 Medical and Dental Expenses:

"You can't include in medical expenses the cost of an item ordinarily used for personal, living, or family purposes unless it is used primarily to prevent or alleviate a physical or mental defect or illness. For example, the cost of a toothbrush and toothpaste is a nondeductible personal expense.

In order to accommodate an individual with a physical defect, you may have to purchase an item ordinarily used as a personal, living, or family item in a special form. You can include the excess of the cost of the item in a special form over the cost of the item in normal form as a medical expense."

Anonymous

Answer

You may be able to deduct part of the cost of the shoes, if the special shoes cost more than a similar shoe that would not accept the orthotic device.

The best guidance on this issue comes from IRS Pub. 502 Medical and Dental Expenses: