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posted Jun 1, 2019 1:50:09 AM

I was unemployed for part of the year 2016. Can I claim expenses related to looking for a job?

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1 Best answer
Expert Alumni
Jun 1, 2019 1:50:10 AM

Yes, you can. You can deduct certain expenses you have paid in looking for a new job in your present occupation, even if you do not get a new job. You cannot deduct the job search expenses if you are looking for a job in a new occupation, there was a substantial break between the ending of your last job and you are looking for a new one, or you are looking for a job for the first time.

The expense include:
a. Employment and outplacement agency fees.
b. Amounts you spend for preparation and mailing copies of a resume.
c. Travel expenses if the trip is primarily to look for a new job.

The data entry in TurboTax:

  • Wages & Income tab
  • Deductions and Credits tab
  • Employment Expenses, select “Job-Related Expenses” - follow the prompts; you will be ask for the occupation (enter the occupation for which you were interviewing)



1 Replies
Expert Alumni
Jun 1, 2019 1:50:10 AM

Yes, you can. You can deduct certain expenses you have paid in looking for a new job in your present occupation, even if you do not get a new job. You cannot deduct the job search expenses if you are looking for a job in a new occupation, there was a substantial break between the ending of your last job and you are looking for a new one, or you are looking for a job for the first time.

The expense include:
a. Employment and outplacement agency fees.
b. Amounts you spend for preparation and mailing copies of a resume.
c. Travel expenses if the trip is primarily to look for a new job.

The data entry in TurboTax:

  • Wages & Income tab
  • Deductions and Credits tab
  • Employment Expenses, select “Job-Related Expenses” - follow the prompts; you will be ask for the occupation (enter the occupation for which you were interviewing)