Tax Year Prior to 2020: Are there unique tax deductions for temporary work?

[danielcor17]

I held a temporary position for 5 months and received a W-2 form. I assume this is considered temporary work by IRS, is this true?

[KarenL2]

There are for temporary work "locations" for the same employer.  This would be travel expenses if your employer asked you to work in a different location that required an overnight stay.

These expenses go on Schedule A Itemized Deductions where they are subject to the 2% of adjusted-gross-income limit.  This means only the amount over 2% of your adjusted gross income will be deductible on the Schedule A. If you have enough expenses, and typically itemize your deductions, it may benefit you.

Keep in mind that commuting mileage to your W-2 job is not deductible.  You can deduct travel expenses for temporary out-of-town work locations, mileage for when you leave your main work location for a business purpose, and mileage between jobs.

Where do I enter job-related expenses?

https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/4800418

Deductible travel expenses while away from home include, but are not limited to the costs of:

1. Travel by airplane, train, bus or car between your home and your business destination. (If you are provided with a ticket or you are riding free as a result of a frequent traveler or similar program, your cost is zero.)
2. Fares for taxis or other types of transportation between the airport or train station and your hotel, the hotel and the work location, and from one customer to another, or from one place of business to another.
3. Shipping of baggage, and sample or display material between your regular and temporary work locations.
4. Using your car while at your business destination. You can deduct actual expenses or the standard mileage rate, as well as business-related tolls and parking fees. If you rent a car, you can deduct only the business-use portion for the expenses.
5. Meals and lodging.
6. Dry cleaning and laundry.
7. Business calls while on your business trip. (This includes business communications by fax machine or other communication devices.)
8. Tips you pay for services related to any of these expenses.
9. Other similar ordinary and necessary expenses related to your business travel. (These expenses might include transportation to and from a business meal, public stenographer's fees, computer rental fees, and operating and maintaining a house trailer.)