Where I work, we have uniforms. We wash them ourselves, not the company. Can i use that as a tax deduction?

Question

If so, how is that calculated? I once heard that they average out the cost for dry cleaning and use that. But thats just what I heard. Anybody know?

Answer 1

Clothing & Uniforms - Clothing required for your job that cannot also be used for general wear is deductible as a miscellaneous itemized deduction. Laundry and cleaning expenses for qualified clothing are also deductible. Examples of deductible work clothing and uniforms are safety shoes, safety glasses, nurse's uniform, and a bus driver's uniform. Any clothing that is suitable for use off of the job, such as blue jeans, is not deductible even if you only use the jeans for work. Any qualified clothing that you use while volunteering for a charitable organization (like a boy scout uniform) is deductible as a charitable contribution. The clothing cannot be suitable for use other than for the volunteer activity.

Answer 2

Yes, care and cleaning of work clothes is a legitimate deduction. I don't think there's a specific method of calculating it. Just report what you honestly believe it costs you in one year. Don't try to inflate it though. If the amount you claim is clearly out of the ballpark, it could get you audited.

This assumes you're itemizing deductions. If you're taking the standard deduction, then you won't be itemizing things like care and cleaning of work clothes. It will all be considered as part of the standard deduction.

Answer 3

There is one other point that might be considered for deductions, if you are a union member, and pay dues, those are deductibel as well. I totally agree with the others who have answered. Keep the receipts, and add them up, that is what you can deduct. Averaging would only be done if you don't have them all.

Answer 4

If you are itemizing your deductions on the Schedule A instead of taking the standard deductions you may be able to deduct the expenses for your uniform. the expenses must be reduced by2% of your adjusted gross income.
Per Publication 529

Work Clothes and Uniforms
You can deduct the cost and upkeep of work clothes if the following two requirements are met.

You must wear them as a condition of your employment.

The clothes are not suitable for everyday wear.




It is not enough that you wear distinctive clothing. The clothing must be specifically required by your employer. Nor is it enough that you do not, in fact, wear your work clothes away from work. The clothing must not be suitable for taking the place of your regular clothing.

Examples of workers who may be able to deduct the cost and upkeep of work clothes are: delivery workers, firefighters, health care workers, law enforcement officers, letter carriers, professional athletes, and transportation workers (air, rail, bus, etc.).

Musicians and entertainers can deduct the cost of theatrical clothing and accessories that are not suitable for everyday wear.

However, work clothing consisting of white cap, white shirt or white jacket, white bib overalls, and standard work shoes, which a painter is required by his union to wear on the job, is not distinctive in character or in the nature of a uniform. Similarly, the costs of buying and maintaining blue work clothes worn by a welder at the request of a foreman are not deductible.

Protective clothing. You can deduct the cost of protective clothing required in your work, such as safety shoes or boots, safety glasses, hard hats, and work gloves.

Examples of workers who may be required to wear safety items are: carpenters, cement workers, chemical workers, electricians, fishing boat crew members, machinists, oil field workers, pipe fitters, steamfitters, and truck drivers.

Answer 5

You definitely can claim on that, not sure but I think they have a set idea of how much it costs to clean your clothes each time, and you can claim up to $50 (I think) worth. Sorry, that was a bit nonsensical but I've only got a vague idea. I definitely know you can claim it though : )

Answer 6

Yes, but know all exceptions must be more than your standardard reduction and if you have to wear a uniform you most likly do not make that kind of money.

Answer 7

Yes, anything u pay for out of pocket, is deductible keep reciepts or track of recpts

Answer 8

yes you can. You have to have receipts though. ANYONE who uses clothes strictly for work can write them off on taxes. It doesnt matter if the compnay supplies them or you do. You just have to be able to prove they are for work only.

Answer 9

yes!!! most definatly just keep recipts to be on the safe side or you can just claim the minimum