IRS: COVID-19 PPE Tax-Deductible

(HealthDay News) — Faces masks, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes are among the types of COVID-19 personal protective equipment (PPE) that Americans can deduct as a medical expense when filing taxes this year, the Internal Revenue Service says.

Deductions are allowed for purchases of COVID-19 PPE for use by an individual taxpayer, their spouse, or dependents that are not covered by insurance if total medical expenses exceed 7.5% of adjusted gross income, CBS News reported.

Eligible deductions include PPE bought since Jan. 1, 2020, according to the IRS.

It also said that purchases of PPE are eligible to be paid or reimbursed under flexible spending plans and medical savings accounts, but would then not be eligible as a tax deduction, CBS News reported.

Reference

PPE like face masks and hand sanitizer can be tax-deductible medical expenses, IRS says. CBS News; March 26, 2021.