IRS: Masks, hand sanitizer are tax-deductible

Those piles of masks and bottles of hand sanitizer that you bought to combat COVID-19 could help you with your taxes if you haven’t filed yet.

>> Read more trending news

The IRS said Friday that personal protective equipment is a tax-deductible medical expense, Bloomberg reported.

The items like masks, hand sanitizer, hand soap and disposable gloves qualify, Fox Business reported.

Taxpayers have to itemize their returns to quality for the deductions, according to Bloomberg.

Health flexible spending accounts or similar funds can also either pay for the supplies or reimburse for them, the IRS said.

Last month the IRS said some teachers could deduct unreimbursed PPE expenses for items bought after March 12, 2020. In the past teachers could deduct up to $250 for classroom materials that are not normally reimbursed, Fox Business reported.

The IRS has a calculator to see if you can claim the deductions. Click here for more information.

The IRS pushed back the federal tax filing deadline from April 15 to May 17 earlier this month.

For more on the PPE deductions, click here.

More coronavirus pandemic coverage:

>> Coronavirus vaccines: CDC separates myths from facts

>> Coronavirus: Should we be wearing two masks when we go out in public?

>> Coronavirus: How long between exposure to the virus and the start of symptoms?

>> What are your chances of coming into contact with someone who has COVID-19? This tool will tell you

>> Wash your masks: How to clean a cloth face covering

>> Fact check: Will masks lower the oxygen level, raise the carbon dioxide in your blood?

>> How to not let coronavirus pandemic fatigue set in, battle back if it does

Cox Media Group