Sec.179 ...I am a Steamfitter ...I receive a W2 ...Can I list (deduct) the cost of my Tools thru Sec.179 on my 2019 Tax Ret ? Or must I use Sched. C ...Please advise...

[Fern · Accepted solution]

If you work for someone else (W2 employee), you can include the cost of your tools in the Employment Expense section of Turbo Tax. You can take a Section 179 deduction for depreciable assets you have purchased. You should not use a Schedule C because you are not considered to be self-employed.

Your deductions are considered employee business deductions.  Employee business deductions are part of the Miscellaneous Itemized Deductions category.  This category must exceed 2% of your adjusted gross income before they can be included in your itemized deductions.  Turbo Tax will do the 2% calculation for you.  This means if your adjusted gross income is $30,000, and your Miscellaneous Itemized Deductions are $750, $150 will be included in your itemized deductions.

To enter these expenses as employment expenses:
Select Federal Taxes
Select Deductions and Credits
Select Show More at Employment Expenses
Select Start at Job Related Expenses