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New Member
posted Jun 1, 2019 9:24:25 AM

I am self employed and have businesses at 2 different locations in 2 states. I have worked at the same locations for 5 years. Can u deduct travel expenses?

I moved from one state, my original and current workplace, to another and now work in both places.

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10 Replies
Expert Alumni
Jun 1, 2019 9:24:26 AM

As self-employed, yes. While the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has eliminated (or suspended) these deductions for employeesself-employed individuals are still allowed to claim these deductions on their Schedule C.  Here is an FAQ that reviews these and other expenses.  https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/5559255

New Member
Jun 1, 2019 9:24:28 AM

I'm confused because on the IRS site it says you cannot deduct travel if the job lasts more than 1 year.

Expert Alumni
Jun 1, 2019 9:24:32 AM

That applies to employees, which are not allowed the deduction anymore regardless.  You are a business owner.  Your travel in between your business locations for management duties is an "ordinary and necessary" expense for the operation of your businesses that is very much deductible.  You need good records of the travel, but the expense is deductible.  Of course, you also have taxable income in two states as well, so you also have two separate state returns.

New Member
Jun 1, 2019 9:24:33 AM

I am a hairstylist and the only worker at each location.

Expert Alumni
Jun 1, 2019 9:24:35 AM

100% that you deduct these expenses.

New Member
Jun 1, 2019 9:24:37 AM

Ok, thanks!

Expert Alumni
Jun 1, 2019 9:24:38 AM

You are welcome.

New Member
Jun 1, 2019 9:24:39 AM

One more question, in past years I only worked in Fl, where I originally lived, and traveled from my new home in TN. Would travel still be deductible in those years?

Expert Alumni
Jun 1, 2019 9:24:42 AM

Probably not, because without your business in Tennessee, your tax home would have been Florida, making the travel to and from Tennessee a personal expense and not a business necessary expense.

New Member
Jun 1, 2019 9:24:43 AM

Ok, that's what I thought,  thanks again!