If I work in two different states, what kind of tax deductions can I take (e.g. hotel, travel, meals, etc)?

Question

My current schedule is a 7 day on/off schedule. I work in CA full time and on my "off" week work in another state part time.

Also, I work for two different companies.

Answer 1

It seems that where you stay in California is your tax home, and your main job is in California. Travel to your second job and back home is deductible. If you need to stay overnight while at your second job, your meals and lodging are deductible (meals at 50% in most cases). Transportation from your lodging at your second job to your second job is deductible. Incidental expenses like laundry, business phone calls, are also deductible.

You will need written records in case your return is examined.

Answer 2

If the overnight travel is required by your job (NOT by the logistics!) you can claim unreimbursed Employee Business Expenses on Form 2106. You must itemize deductions on Schedule A and there is a 2% AGI limitation.

If you are just traveling between two jobs, there is no deduction allowed. Only expenses required by your employer are deductible. From the wording of your question, no deduction is allowed in your case.

Answer 3

As long as you are staying overnight you can take those costs(ie travel, hotel, and meals etc). Be carful you can only deduct 50% of your meals and entertainment. If you are reimbursed you can run into some plans such as accountable and non accountable plans. But the key here is the overnight test. As long as you are not stay in your house that night your okay to deduct those costs.

Answer 4

You can deduct the mileage from one job directly to the second job. NOT from your home to any job and not from any job to home. This is commuting.

It would be reported on 2106 then to Sch. A subject to 2% floor.

The other expenses (hotel, meals, etc) would not be deductible

Answer 5

Yes you are entitled to claim all but call irs to see about what forms you will need. They have a toll free number 1-800-829-1040. bettyk