Why don't I get money added to my refund for my Job related expense? Is it because it is a joint file? Does the 2% rule apply to the total income? or can it be my own?

[sanford914]

My income in $64K and the 2% is $1280.  My glasses cost $1803.  Our combined income is $102K so the 2% is $2040.

[xmasbaby0 · Accepted solution]

Yes, the 2% applies to the total income.  And you can only claim the amount that is OVER 2%--so if you say your 2% is $2040, only the amount of job-related expenses over $2040 count toward anything.  Your prescription glasses that cost $1803 are a medical expense.  That also has a very tough threshold to meet. The amount of medical expenses that will count toward itemization for someone under 65 is the amount that is OVER 10% of your adjusted gross income; for someone 65 or older it would be the amount over 7.5% of your AGI.