Starting a second job this winter in another state. Not an independent contractor they will have me on payroll with a W2. Can I deduct mileage, gas, hotel rent, etc?

[SweetieJean]

Is this a temp assignment?

[ed-elsner]

Yes it will be for 2 months it is a second job. I will still be working my original job, they do not mind me working from the road. After two months I will leave and go back to my permanent residence in a different state. Wisconsin is full time, Florida will be 2 months.

[SweetieJean]

IS 2nd employer paying you a per diem, or some reimbursement?

[ed-elsner]

2nd employer I will be on the actual payroll as a part time employee. Paid hourly.

[ed-elsner]

Thank you very much. What if they pay me as an independent contractor not on the payroll?
1099 vs a W2?

[SweetieJean]

You can still deduct 1099-MISC expenses, but would owe Self Employment taxes in addition to regular taxes. But the people hiring you may or may not have a choice.
<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/independent-contractor-self-employed-o...>.

If you had already planned to be in FL for two months, and are incidentally picking up this work, then the answer may be different.

[ed-elsner]

Thank you very much for your quick and knowledgeable replies. Very helpful.

[SweetieJean · Accepted solution]

Oh, so you haven't started yet?  Unfortunately, under the new tax law, deductions for unreimbursed employee expenses are gone as of 1/1/2018..

Sorry.