If I am not self-employed. And I have bought tools for my job can I write them off?

[tshears3]

I'm a mechanic & I worked at a "mom & pop" shop, I bought tools needed for work, can I write those tools off?

[Vanessa A]

No, you cannot deduct your tools as an employee on your federal return.

However, depending on which state you live in and the rules of your state, you may be able to deduct them on your state return.  If so, you will generally find a place in the state return that allows you to enter your expenses. Every state is different. 

[xmasbaby0]

Sorry---W-2 employees cannot deduct job-related expenses on a federal return.  Job-related expenses were eliminated as a federal deduction for W-2 employees by the tax laws that changed for 2018 and beyond.  Your state tax laws might be different in AL, AR, CA, HI, MN, NY or PA.

If you live in a state that lets you deduct job-related expenses, the information will flow from your federal return  to the state return, so enter it in Federal>Deductions and Credits>Employment Expenses>Job-Related Expenses

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/4482873-which-federal-tax-deductions-have-been-suspended-by-tax-re...