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Question: Can I deduct California use tax as a medical expense?

I itemize my personal income tax every year. I deduct lots of medical expenses every year because I am disabled. I buy stuff out of state and country. I have to pay use taxes on these medical purchases because they are out of state and country and are shipped to me. Can I deduct the use tax as a medical expense/deduction too? This question is for the year 2009. I will be deducting the sales tax for all purchases I’ve made this year in state as taxes already paid. I’m not sure if use tax is included in that particular deduction. Any help would be appreciated.
I keep extremely good records and receipts.

Answer: If you maintain detailed records of all of your medical expense purchases and can show where the use tax that you paid applies, you should not have any problem in applying these use tax payments to your purchases of medical supplies from out of state sources. However, be forewarned, the burden of proof rests upon your shoulders, the IRS will automatically assume that you are incorrect unless you can prove otherwise through detailed records of all of your purchases.

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