Can I use both the item cost and the shipping cost for my medical deduction when purchasing medical supplies online (I'm itemizing on a personal tax return)?

[JulieCo · Accepted solution]

Yes, as long as  the order was for a qualified deductible medical expense item.  See definition below of a qualified medical expense.

Per IRS Publication 502,  IRS Publication 502 - Medical and Dental Expenses

Medical expenses are the costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and for the purpose of affecting any part or function of the body. These expenses include payments for legal medical services rendered by physicians, surgeons, dentists, and other medical practitioners. They include the costs of equipment, supplies, and diagnostic devices needed for these purposes.

Medical care expenses must be primarily to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental disability or illness. They don't include expenses that are merely beneficial to general health, such as vitamins or a vacation.