How to write off job-search-related phone calls?

Question

I know I can write off expenses related to a job search. I was searching for a job for two months, and during that time, I racked up $400 in cell phone calls (phone interviews, voicemail). However, I have personal calls mixed in as well. Can I write off the bills for the entire two months, or only the specific phone calls I made?

Answer 1

You can deduct certain expenses you have in looking for a new job in your present occupation, even if you do not get a new job. You cannot deduct these expenses if:

-You are looking for a job in a new occupation,

-There was a substantial break between the ending of your last job and your looking for a new one, or

-You are looking for a job for the first time.

These expenses are considered miscellaneous itemized deductions and are only taken if you are eligible to itemize your deductions on Schedule A. If you take the standard deduction they could not be deducted.

These expenses are subject to 2% of your adjusted gross income (AGI).

If you meet these requirements, you would be able to deduct only the portion of your phone bills that pertain to the job search, not the entire phone bill.

Answer 2

You can't write off the whole bill or a percentage of it, just the specific calls related to your job search.

Answer 3

Figure the percentage of use that was job related. Deduct those expenses on Schedule A, Miscellaneous Expenses in excess of 2% of your adjusted gross income.