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Minnesota_Flyer · August 16th, 2004, 17:58

Hate to step on FalconCapt's toes here, but his advice is not quite accurate. There are a variety of employment-related expenses which, if not reimbursed by your employer, can be deducted on your taxes (Schedule A, I think). For example, because membership in the state bar is a requirement for me to work as a lawyer, I could deduct bar membership expenses if my employer did not reimburse me for them. Similarly, my wife can deduct her union dues because union membership is required for her employment. Sadly, deductions for unreimbursed business expenses such as these are limited to those expenses which exceed 2% (I think) of your AGI, which put them beyond my reach most years.

The best place to look for answers is the IRS website which has some (surprisingly) helpful FAQs that may help you. Also, I'm reasonably certain that there is a separate publication describing employment-related expenditures which are and are not deductible.

Incidentally, ordinary commuting expenses between your home and your ordinary place of work is NEVER deductible, regardless of whether you are an employee or independent contractor.

MF

August 16th, 2004, 17:58	#4
Minnesota_Flyer Old Skool Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul Posts: 1,981	Re: Taxes Hate to step on FalconCapt's toes here, but his advice is not quite accurate. There are a variety of employment-related expenses which, if not reimbursed by your employer, can be deducted on your taxes (Schedule A, I think). For example, because membership in the state bar is a requirement for me to work as a lawyer, I could deduct bar membership expenses if my employer did not reimburse me for them. Similarly, my wife can deduct her union dues because union membership is required for her employment. Sadly, deductions for unreimbursed business expenses such as these are limited to those expenses which exceed 2% (I think) of your AGI, which put them beyond my reach most years. The best place to look for answers is the IRS website which has some (surprisingly) helpful FAQs that may help you. Also, I'm reasonably certain that there is a separate publication describing employment-related expenditures which are and are not deductible. Incidentally, ordinary commuting expenses between your home and your ordinary place of work is NEVER deductible, regardless of whether you are an employee or independent contractor. MF