You are eligible get a tax deduction for some unreimbursed expenses from work, and for those that had expenses looking for work or relocating. While on the latter subject, first I wanted to provide some ideas for those looking for work.
If you are unemployed or underemployed and are looking for work, there is help for you and your job search, and help through tax deductions for some of the expense of looking.
Today many churches and housing agencies have job search workshops and some have even hired experts to counsel people about all of the myriad of issues you need to know if you are looking for work. Vineyard Columbus (OH) has done just that. Some government agencies and social groups also provide the same. There are groups for executives, non executives and those over age 50 providing skills, support and encouragement that you may need for what often is a long-term process. Scioto Ridge is an excellent group in Columbus that helps many people.
Meeting one-on-one with experts and attending workshops is extremely important to getting hired. You will learn how to write a good resume, network, use LinkedIn and other social media, and interview well. Do not assume you know how to do all of these things, especially if you have been out of work for a while; do not go at this lonely and aggravating process alone. Some banks are even hiring firms to consult out of work people struggling to make mortgage payments, such as 5/3 Bank headquartered in Cincinnati Ohio hiring Next Job Inc.
Now that it is tax time, be acutely aware of the tax deductions that you might be eligible for. The list includes: courses to improve you skills and employment agency fees (see IRS Pub 970), mileage and parking for interviews, preparing and mailing resumes, and relocation expenses (see IRS Pub 521).
Do you incur expenses for your job from time to time, but don’t ask to get reimbursed? Perhaps you picked up some inexpensive office supplies, or donated to a project out of your pocket. Often teachers buy their own class room supplies. If you are not reimbursed by your employer for these expenses, they could qualify for a miscellaneous deduction, as long as they were required to do your job as an employee and were “ordinary and necessary” to your business or trade.
