If I did 1099 MISC work, can I get a write off for the cost of commuting to the job site by public transit (train)?

[ToddL]

As with many tax situations, it depends.

Transportation costs (public or private) can be deductible expenses for self-employment income.

If you have multiple job sites for single client (or multiple clients), you can deduct your transportation costs.

(Example: If you performing your self-employment work at a series of single locations (each for a temporary period of time), you would be able to claim a deduction).

If you work out of a home office and have no regular place of business, you may deduct your commuting costs between your home office and a client's location.

If you have a place of business, such as a store or office, you cannot deduct your costs to commute between your home and your place of business.

(Example: If you are performing all of your self-employment work at a single, unchanging location you would not be able to claim a deduction).

Unfortunately, you will need TurboTax Home & Business to report the income and the expenses for this work.  The IRS requires you to report 1099-MISC income on Form 1040

The TurboTax Free Edition can only prepare Forms 1040-EZ and 1040-A. These are simpler returns, and why TurboTax offers this product for free.

[SweetieJean]

It's my understanding that going to and from the same location every day is commuting, and thus not deductible?

[SweetieJean]

<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://finance.zacks.com/deductability-selfemployed-commuting-expense-6548.html">http://finance.zack...>

[ToddL]

I saw that article and others that offered more flexibility. The poster did not indicate that it was a "place of business", i.e. a single job site or if he had a "home office" or if they were different clients. If multiple job sites or clients, he can claim commuting expenses Having said that, I am going to update the response.

[ToddL]

Thanks (really) for looking over my shoulder!  🙂