I have a main job for which I get W-2 and also act. This year I got only w-2 for the acting. Can I deduct acting expenses? what if I report it as a self employment job?

[Critter]

Can employees deduct any job-related expenses?

Job-related expenses for employees are no longer deductible on most people’s federal return in tax years 2018 through 2025 due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) that Congress signed into law on December 22, 2017. However, the job-related expenses deduction is still available to people who work in one of these specific professions or situations:

• Armed Forces reservist
• Qualified performing artist
• Fee-basis state or local government official
• You're disabled and have impairment-related expenses

Additionally, job-related expenses may be deductible in your state. Enter your expenses and we’ll figure out if you can deduct them.

Expenses that qualify for this deduction are those the IRS considers "ordinary and necessary" for work, like uniforms, tools, union dues, licenses, and travel between job sites.

Related Information:

• What is the 2% rule?
• Where do I enter job-related employee expenses? (Form 2106)
• Can employees deduct commuting expenses like gas, mileage, fares, and tolls?
• Which federal tax deductions have been suspended by tax reform?

[amir_natan]

Let’s assume I didn’t have ANY income this year but only expenses. Can I write them off somewhere? I wrote them off last year when I created new line of work on turbo tax. If I am doing the same this year turbo tax still deduct those expenses from my total income. Can I continue doing it? Again, those are not related only to the W-2 specific gigs.  Those are regular expenses I have yearly for this line of work. 

[VolvoGirl]

Did you file schedule C last year for self employment 1099Misc income and deduct the expenses on schedule C?