Job search costs from past years tax deductible; I didn't realize that they were until recently, so?

Question

Job search costs from past years tax deductible; I didn't realize that they were until recently, so I wonder if I can do anything for past years now retrospectively. I can assure you that I can easily reconstruct who I interviewed with in the past due to my various e-mails and thank you letter files.

Answer 1

Bostonianinmo gives good advice - the only thing I'd add is that you can amend returns back to the 2004 tax year, and still get your refund if the amendment will give you one.

Answer 2

If you itemized deductions last year then it might be worth amending your return to claim those. You'll need Form 2106 to document the costs. That will transfer to Schedule A in the Misc Deductions section. Keep in mind that those are subject to a 2% AGI limitation.

If you didn't itemize, they'd need to exceed your standard deduction amount ($5,150 for a Single filer) plus 2% of your AGI to get any benefit.

If it works out that it would be worth the effort, File an amended return on Form 1040X and attach Form 2106 and Schedule A.

Answer 3

You can file amended returns to deduct job search costs, assuming you itemized your deductions. I'm not sure whether you can deduct job search costs without itemizing your deductions. The IRS website has prior year forms going back for 6-7 years. I am not sure how far back you can file amended returns, but I would imagine it is at least 2 or 3 years.