Teachers can include COVID-19-related expenses in claiming their “above-the-line” deduction of up to $250. Such expenses include face masks; disinfectant; hand soap; hand sanitizers; disposable gloves; tape, paint or chalk to guide social distancing, physical barriers (e.g., plexiglass); air purifiers; and other items recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The IRS has not ruled on whether such items are considered deductible medical expenses. As yet, the tax law does not have any other way for individuals to deduct these out-of-pocket costs.
Advance payment of current tax liability based either on wage withholdings or installment payments of your estimated tax liability. To avoid penalties, you generally must pay to the IRS either 90% of your final tax liability, or either 100% or 110% of the prior year’s tax liability, depending on your adjusted gross income.