How can I add my tools I have purchased for work use? I'm a mechanic so I purchased a lot of tools throughout the year of 2016. will it make a difference if I add it on?

[AmandaR1 · Accepted solution]

Sometimes they can benefit you. I'll include instructions to enter them below. Job expenses are reduced by 2% of Adjusted Gross Income (AGI - a subtotal on your tax return). They're also an itemize deduction so you must itemize for them to have an impact, but it looks like you're in Deluxe so you should try to enter them. The software will tell you at the start of the section if you're taking the standard deduction (& discourage you from entering these). 

1. Click 'Take me to my return'
2. Select the 'Federal Taxes' tab and then click the 'Deductions & Credits' tab below it
3. Scroll down to the 'Employee Expenses' section and click the blue hyperlink 'Show more'
4. Click 'Start' or 'Revisit' next to 'Job Expenses for W-2'
5. Next you'll be asked about your 'occupation'. This section will ask about all unreimbursed employee job expenses and you can enter your tools. On the last screen, they'll be an option to enter a description and amounts. [Note: if you already updated this section or some of the questions from this section, you may be on a summary screen and need to click 'Edit' next to the applicable 'Occupation']

[orale_vato]

What do I put on the How do I want to deduct the item?

[AmandaR1]

I'm not sure where you're. You must have chosen to add them as assets? I would recommend taking the largest deduction possible, since it's hard to get them to have an impact anyways. Also, you can just add them at the last screen of the job questions with a description and total (presuming each tool costs less than $2500, this is a new rule).

[turnmeloose2]

I am a machinest