I have followed the instruction of how to add tools expenses to my tax that was previous post by someone else.
Under employment expense, I selected Job related expenses. It asked me to select a category of my expenses. I selected tools, equipment, and etc. Then, it asked me to input the description of my expenses. I inputted tools. Next, it asked me to select if I bought my tools brand new, used or traded in, or none of the above. I selected bought it brand new.
Then it asked me to select how would I like to claim my tool expense. I selected to deduct full amount this year. However, on the last step, it says my tool expenses is $0. I don't understand why it is $0. I followed every step precisely. I buy lots of tools every year. I filed my tax with turbotax last year and filed my tool expenses without any issue. Please help.
95% of people will take the standard deduction. You are used to claiming tools and itemizing deductions. That is a thing of the past for federal; but, you may still be able to itemize for state. The IRS says:
Miscellaneous deductions
The new law suspends the deduction for job-related expenses or other miscellaneous itemized deductions that exceed 2 percent of adjusted gross income. This includes unreimbursed employee expenses such as uniforms, union dues and the deduction for business-related meals, entertainment and travel.
From <https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-reform-brought-significant-changes-to-itemized-deductions>
Hello,
Thank you for your clarification and quick response. I tried to do itemized deductions for the State, but I dont know where to go for itemized deductions for state. It seems like when I choose the Standard deduction for the Federal tax, the State will be set to the same. Please help. Thank you for your time and help.
Many states require you to choose the same method of deductions that you use on your federal return. So, it is likely that since you take the standard deduction on your federal return, you will be required to do the same on your state return.
If you let us know what state you live in we can verify that for you.
Hello,
Thank you for your help and time. I live in Arizona.
Arizona uses the federal schedule A as its basis and allows you to change your medical expenses. Here is the AZ instruction booklet. Please see page 17, bottom left for more complete instructions. Enjoy the tools!