I am a fitness instructor. All of my income is reported on a W-2. How do I deduct my expenses related to my business?

[angelamontague53]

I have additional educational expenses, clothing necessary for my work, and my monthly licensing fees. It just happens that all of my income in 2016 was reported on a W2. In 2017 there will be non W2 income.

[TomD8 · Accepted solution]

If you are a W-2 employee, find the Employment Expenses section of Deductions and Credits, and enter your expenses on the line for Job-related Expenses.

If you are an independent contractor and your income is reported on a 1099-MISC instead of a W-2, your business expenses are deducted on your Schedule C.

You can't deduct clothing expenses unless:

1.  Your job requires that you wear special clothing such as a policeman's uniform; and

2.  The clothes are not suitable for everyday wear. For example, a uniform with a company logo isn’t suitable for everyday wear, so it would qualify as a deduction.