Employment Expenses

[A_T]

I work for a construction company and received a W2. In 2019 I lived and worked in another town for 150 days. I rented an apartment and paid for my own meals. My company did not pay me a per diem. Can I deduct this somewhere?

[AmyC · Accepted solution]

Employee expenses are not currently deductible on the Federal again until 2025. However, you may be able to deduct them on your state return. The expenses are entered in the federal section for deductions and credits.

Let me help you navigate to the employee expense section

1. Log into your return

2. select Pick Up Where I Left Off

3. In the top right corner, locate the Magnifying glass/search  

4. input exactly 2106

5. Enter

6. Select the first entry Jump to 2106

7. Select YES and continue answering questions.

[A_T]

Thank you for the reply. I should have mentioned I live in Alaska so we do not file state taxes. 

[LinaJ2020]

Since Alaska does not have state taxes, you will lose the deductions, unfortunately. 

Due to the new tax law change the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, ( TCJA), for 2018 through 2025, Congress suspends all miscellaneous itemized deductions ( Form 2106) that are subject to the 2 percent of adjusted gross income floor. This change affects un-reimbursed employee expenses such as job related travels, uniforms, union dues and the deduction for business-related meals and entertainment.  You will not be able to deduct any unreimbursed employee expenses on your 2019 tax return.