I bought tools for work. How do i claim them?

Are they employee job expenses related to a W-2 job, or are you self-employed and deduct expenses on Schedule C?

W-2 Job/Employee

If you are an employee and receive a W-2, you can deduct unreimbursed expenses, such as tools, as job expenses, but you must be able to itemize your deductions.  Even then, only the amount above 2% of your adjusted gross income is deductible.

You can add those expenses by following the directions below:

1. Go to Federal Taxes
2. Select Deductions and Credits
3. Select I'll choose what I work on if the option is given
4. Scroll to the heading Employment Expenses
5. Select Start next to Job Related Expenses for W-2 income. You will then walk through the interview to enter those expenses required as part of your employment. 

Self-Employed reporting on Schedule C

This would apply if you received a 1099-MISC or worked for yourself.

To Enter Your Tool Expenses:

1. Select Federal Taxes at the top of the screen
2. Choose Self-Employment Income Expenses
3. Select Start or Edit on the Your Work Summary screen
4. Scroll down to Expenses
5. Select Add Expenses for this work
6. Continue through the interview to enter your tool expenses