DOT Meal expense

[psdeckers]

I am in the transportation industry and was entering expenses under the category 'Job related expenses'. I understand that this does not affect my Fed tax, but entering for state. When I enter an amount into the DOT meal expense, that amount does not get added into the totals that show up on the page titled "Job Related Expenses Summary." I have some reimbursement but not enough to negate the expense. Does anyone know why the DOT meal expense is not adding into the total of all job related expenses?

[HelenC12]

Please clarify the state that you're referring to and we'll try and answer your question. Thank you.

[psdeckers]

California

[psdeckers]

I may have answered my own question. Form 2106 is the form for job related expenses. On that form, column B, for meal expenses, is grayed out. The meal expense box below columns A and B says meal expense is state only. I presume I will not see the meal expense added to the other expenses until I open the TurboTax state product, which I haven't gotten to yet.

[ErnieS0]

Yes. You will not see meal expenses until you get to state. TurboTax will transfer those expenses to the California return and will figure whether the California standard deduction or itemized deductions is right for you.