BYOD Work Expenses

[lmocio]

Hello,

I have several work-affiliated expenses. When I attempted to log them in TurboTax as deductible expenses, it would not allow me to do so. They are technology (multiple computers, as my company is a bring-your-own-device entity (even pre-COVID)), utilities (phone bill), etc. I would appreciate help as to how to record these in filing my federal and state taxes. Thank you!

[STaxLady]

Hello @lmocio , 

Thanks for the question, I'm happy to help!

If I understand correctly, you are working as an employee, rather than an independent contractor, if this is not the case, please let me know.

Unfortunately, for most taxpayers, unreimbursed employee expenses are not currently deductible.

There was a deduction for this type of expense for tax years prior to 2018. The deduction is set to return for tax years beginning after 2025.

Here is a link to the IRS for more information on who does qualify for the employee business expense deduction:

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/heres-who-qualifies-for-the-employee-business-expense-deduction 

Be sure to see the linked article under "more information" as well.

I hope this answers your question, Imocio. If you do fall into one of the categories of qualifying employee, reach out again with more information.

[lmocio]

Hello STaxLady, 

Many thanks for your response. Correct, I am a full-time employee. Is there an alternative way to classify the expenses in the interim? Thank you.

[STaxLady]

You're welcome, Imocio.

Sorry to say, there is currently no way to deduct these employee expenses.