i used to deliver pizzas, and i could deduct a certain amount for fuel, like 35 cents a mile or so.

now i work for a pest control company. they will reimburse me for certain expenses, i.e. maps, tools, etc. but on things that help me in my job personally like tool belts, boots, coveralls, or (since there is a commission component) stuff like business cards, or other advertisement tools, could i deduct those personal expenses that are work related from my taxes?

thanks for any advice.

10/24/2007 1:36:14 AM

if you are reimbursed for them then they are exactly expenses...

you could get away with it more than likely though

10/24/2007 7:42:10 AM

http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc514.html

10/24/2007 7:56:26 AM

Are you being reimbursed for the expenses or not? Its not exactly clear. If your expenses are reimbursed under an accountable plan then you cannot take any deduction. If the expeses are reimbursed under a non-accountable plan (meaning they dont appear as wages on your W-2) then you can deduct the expenses on Schedule A.

Unfortunately these types of expenses are limited by 2% of your AGI. If your Adjusted Gross Income is $50,000 then the expenses would need to be over $1000 before it matters.

You may also be limited further if you cannot itemize.

10/24/2007 2:54:02 PM

my main question is: if i purchase something job related and am not reimbursed for it, can that be deducted? like purchasing ad space to earn commission, like a Realtor for instance.

10/25/2007 2:41:54 PM

Quote :

" http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc514.html "

FTW

Quote :

"If you are an employee, you may be able to deduct your work–related expenses as an itemized deduction (subject to limitations) on Form 1040, Schedule A (PDF). These employee business expenses include the cost of business travel away from home, local transportation, entertainment, gifts, and other ordinary and necessary expenses related to your job. "

[Edited on October 25, 2007 at 2:47 PM. Reason : [link]]

10/25/2007 2:45:28 PM

word. time scour some receipts.

10/25/2007 2:49:35 PM

do you need receipts if you use a credit card? i heard from somewhere you could?

10/28/2007 8:20:35 PM

A credit card statement would most likely be sufficient if you were audited. I still tell people to keep receipts.

10/29/2007 3:47:46 PM