Tax Year Prior to 2020: Is it possible to deduct for supplies I had to buy for work?

[jeffreygnau]

I had to buy several tools required by my employer can I deduct them?

[KarenL2]

Yes, it is usually a deductible expense. If it is for a job for with you work as an "employee" receiving a W-2, and they are not reimbursed to you, then you can deduct them as an Unreimbursed Employee Business Form 2106.  It goes on Schedule A Itemized Deductions in the Misc section subject to a 2% of Adjusted Gross Income threshold.  If you don't itemize, then deducting them won't benefit you.  You can try it both ways and see which works out better for you.  The software will do the work for you.

Where do I enter job-related employee expenses? (Form 2106)

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

If that doesn't work for you, you can get to the correct area as follows:

• Federal Taxes tab (Personal tab In the Home & Business version)
• Deductions and Credits
• scroll down to Employment Expenses
• then, Job Expenses