Can i claim tools i purchase for my use as an electrician

[IreneS]

If you are self-employed, you can deduct them on your Schedule C as a business expense.

If you are an employee, you can include your tools purchase as an employee expense.  Keep in mind, though, that the expenses will only be deductible IF:

• You itemize your deductions (Schedule A); AND
• All of your unreimbursed employee business expenses and other miscellaneous itemized deductions added together are more than 2% of your AGI.  [Only the amount over 2% AGI is deductible.]

To include job expenses in your return, please follow these steps:

1. Click on Federal Taxes [Personal in TurboTax Self-Employed] > Deductions & Credits.
2. Scroll down to the Employment Expenses section and click on the Start/Revisit box next to Job Expenses for W-2 Income.  [See Screenshot #1, below.]
3. On the Employment Expenses Related to a W-2 screen mark the Yes button and click Continue. [Screenshot #2]
4. On the next screen, Did you have any of these expenses in 2016? mark the Yes button and click Continue.  [Screenshot #3]
5. Continue through the screens, entering the requested information.