topic Required to live at motel where I work and pay rent weekly out of my check, is there a deduction I can claim? in Deductions & credits

Required to live at motel where I work and pay rent weekly out of my check, is there a deduction I can claim?

Cmuns1943 — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 02:38:00 GMT

Hello, a friend told me I should look into seeing if there are any deductions available for me and I'm having trouble finding answers. I work and live at a motel and am technically available 24 hr. I have no other home therefore would not be able to work here without living on site. I am required to pay rent each week, however somewhat reduced, out of my weekly check and am paid on commission. Is there any technical way I can claim a deduction?

Re: Required to live at motel where I work and pay rent weekly out of my check, is there a deduct...

ThomasM125 — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 03:50:18 GMT

No, you cannot claim your living expenses as a tax deduction. The only time you can do that under the current tax law is if you are self-employed and are away temporarily for business.

Re: Required to live at motel where I work and pay rent weekly out of my check, is there a deduction I can claim?

pk — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 04:23:30 GMT

@Cmuns1943 m while agreeing with @ThomasM125 . I just wonder (a) is your employer requiring ( i.e. it is a condition of employment ) you to stay at the facility for his benefit ? (b) are you required to available for 24 hrs by the employer ? and (c) what do you mean by paid commission -- is this inaddition to salary or are self-employed and paid a commission only ( i.e. do you get a W-2 plus 100-misc or just W-2 or just 1099-misc ) ?

Also note that if the employer requires you stay on site and gives you a rebate on expenses ( on fair rent of the property ) that could be counted as benefit in kind.

Re: Required to live at motel where I work and pay rent weekly out of my check, is there a deduction I can claim?

Cmuns1943 — Fri, 08 Jan 2021 03:47:22 GMT

@pk

Sorry I never saw your reply? And thank you!

I was required to live on motel property in a room I was required to pay for weekly out of my payroll.

I was required to be available 24hrs, as I was frequently called on at random hours to tend to guests needs as necessary.

Weekly payroll/check was stated as COMMISSION (consisted of ~270 per week, period, dot. No matter hours worked or if called to tend to guests.) Then was expected to pay 200 rent for the room I was required to stay in to be able to work there. Left me with less than 70 a week to live on. The rest went right back in.

I hope that answered everything. Did I get screwed?