Are the tools I bought for work tax deductible?

Answer 1

Maybe. First of all, you have to subtract 2% of your adjusted gross income from the amount you spent - whatever is over that can be deducted IF you itemize. You only itemize if your allowable deductions total more than your standard deduction, $5350 if you're single, $10,700 on a joint return.

Answer 2

If you are an employee who provides his own tools--an automotive technician or carpenter for example--you can take a miscellaneous itemized deduction to the extent all your miscellaneous expenses exceed 2% of your adjusted gross income.