Deducting Work Expenses

You may be able to deduct your unreimbursed business expenses as miscellaneous itemized deductions subject to the 2% adjusted gross income floor. You can't deduct the cost of any item for which you would have been reimbursed if you'd asked for the reimbursement. Your employer will not include in your wages reimbursement for your expenses paid under an accountable plan. You cannot deduct these expenses. But if the reimbursement is paid under a non-accountable plan, the reimbursement will be included in your wages and you deduct the expenses as miscellaneous itemized deductions subject to the 2% adjusted gross income floor.

Which Deductions Qualify and Why?
If you pay out of pocket for job-related expenses, you may be able to deduct them on your return. In general, tax-deductible job expenses must be ordinary and necessary. A job expense is ordinary if it is common and accepted in your trade, business or profession. An expense is necessary if it is appropriate and helpful to your business. An expense does not have to be required to be considered necessary.

Tax-deductible expenses include the following:
 
  • Bonding
  • Physical examinations
  • Office supplies not provided by your employer
  • Professional or trade association dues
  • Research, lecture and writing expenses
  • Safety clothes and equipment
  • Union dues
  • Personal tools and equipment
  • Travel, meal and entertainment expenses (see Publication 463)
  • Computers and mobile phones (see Publication 946)


You must report these and other unreimbursed business expenses on line 21, Schedule A or on Form 2106.



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Laws on this topic may vary from state to state. This content is not meant to provide you with complete information and it is not intended to be legal or tax advice. It is recommended that you consult with your own attorney, accountant or other advisor regarding your specific situation.