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Professional memberships. I have exams I must pass to receive my architectural license. Can I deduct the cost of the exams as a out of pocket work expense?

 
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KrisD
Intuit Alumni

Professional memberships. I have exams I must pass to receive my architectural license. Can I deduct the cost of the exams as a out of pocket work expense?

You could have reported the expenses if you were already in that line of work. You cannot deduct the expenses if they are for a NEW career. 

Job (W-2) expenses were reported on Schedule A and only if they were over 2% of your AGI, however the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has eliminated that deduction for tax year 2018 and beyond.  

Please click the link below for more information. 

 

Click here for IRS Pub 590

 

[Edited 03-10-20 | 06:39PM] 

 

 

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2 Replies
KrisD
Intuit Alumni

Professional memberships. I have exams I must pass to receive my architectural license. Can I deduct the cost of the exams as a out of pocket work expense?

You could have reported the expenses if you were already in that line of work. You cannot deduct the expenses if they are for a NEW career. 

Job (W-2) expenses were reported on Schedule A and only if they were over 2% of your AGI, however the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has eliminated that deduction for tax year 2018 and beyond.  

Please click the link below for more information. 

 

Click here for IRS Pub 590

 

[Edited 03-10-20 | 06:39PM] 

 

 

Professional memberships. I have exams I must pass to receive my architectural license. Can I deduct the cost of the exams as a out of pocket work expense?

You can deduct licensing costs to maintain your credentials in the field you currently work, but not to qualify to work in a new career.

Also, for W-2 workers, the deduction for all work-related expenses is eliminated starting in 2018.  If you are a W-2 employee, you should discuss a reimbursement arrangement with your employer since the expense will no longer be deductible.

*Answers are correct to the best of my ability at the time of posting but do not constitute legal or tax advice.*
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