tax write-off for job hunting?

Question

can you write off things for taxes like gas (mileage) for going to job interviews, write off an interview outfit, and things like that as long as you keep track? is there anything else you can take off like that when in a job search?

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.


You can deduct employment and outplacement agency fees you pay in looking for a new job in your present occupation.

You can deduct amounts you spend for preparing and mailing copies of a résumé to prospective employers if you are looking for a new job in your present occupation.

If you travel to an area and, while there, you look for a new job in your present occupation, you may be able to deduct travel expenses to and from the area. You can deduct the travel expenses if the trip is primarily to look for a new job. The amount of time you spend on personal activity compared to the amount of time you spend in looking for work is important in determining whether the trip is primarily personal or is primarily to look for a new job.

Even if you cannot deduct the travel expenses to and from an area, you can deduct the expenses of looking for a new job in your present occupation while in the area.

You can choose to use the standard mileage rate to figure your car expenses. The rate for business use of a vehicle for 2006 is 44½ cents per mile.

Answer 2

Your mileage, postage, costs of resume production, toll calls, lodging and travel for an out of town interview, are all deductible on Schedule A Miscellaneous Deductions, to the extent those deductions exceed 2% of your income.

Interview outfit is not deductible.

Answer 3

You can write off lots of things like that, as long as you have enough expenses to make it worthwhile. I used to, but no need anymore... Just wait til next years tax codes are out, and be sure to save ALL of your receipts. Yes keep a log of miles traveled, that's how they had been doing it.

Answer 4

tma's answer is correct -- even if it's a copy from the IRS website. The JH tax preparer is a good example of why I'd never do business with them -- the interview outfit is NEVER deductible!

Answer 5

Hell yes! Anything you use for job search is tax deductable! You also get a meal allowance for each day you spent looking for a job out of your area or having job interviews. Fuel, mileage, meals, uniforms or suits, parking fees, tolls,etc.

Answer 6

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p17.pdf
Start at page 190

Interview outfits are out. ---

good luck & hope this helps

Answer 7

I'd suggest you get a tax lawyer, they know all.

Answer 8

yes you can , ask your accountant or get turbo tax...