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Level 2
July 5, 2020
Question

Job Related Expenses

  • July 5, 2020
  • 2 replies
  • 0 views

I entered job related expenses for an occupation, and then I needed to go back later to add some more items to the list. For some reason, I couldn't get to the itemized list to add additional items. So, I deleted the occupation and then tried to add it again. The same thing happened, but now I have $0 job-related expenses instead of $5000+. This doesn't make a difference for Federal Taxes, but it will make a difference for state taxes. How do I correct this? I am using TurboTax Deluxe desktop. 

    2 replies

    Level 15
    July 5, 2020

    We cannot see your screen or your return, of course, so not entirely sure what you did to obliterate your job-related expenses, but the desktop software is pretty easy to navigate (compared to online).  

     

    Go to Federal>Deductions and Credits>Employment Expenses>Job-Related Expenses.

    **Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
    Level 2
    July 5, 2020

    I've done this, but it doesn't prompt me to enter anything. It goes directly to saying it doesn't apply. Here's the order of the screens:

    July 5, 2020

    if you only get a w-2 the expenses aren't deductible for federal purposes

    in you are an independent contractor the expenses go on schedule c.

    if you are both an IC and get a w-2, a reasonable method needs to be used to allocate expenses between the two activities. 

     

    for employee expenses deductible on state return only

    in forms mode type in 2106 in search box. window will open. in the smart worksheet for part 1 check box c5

    in part1 step 1 enter your expenses.

     

    every state is a little bit different so it may be that different steps have to be taken to get the deduction for the state.  some states may require entries in the state return section