If forced to WFH but no loss in hours or pay rate, but as a result having to buy equipment, furniture, etc qualify under cares?

[SweetieJean]

Sorry, not if you are a W-2 employee.

[PattiF]

No, there is not a federal deduction for employees who have to work at home during the Coronavirus who had unreimbursed employee expenses.

For employees living in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Hawaii, Minnesota, New York and Pennsylvania, these expenses are permitted on the state return.

[fanfare]

IRS says:

• You experience adverse financial consequences as a result of being quarantined, being furloughed or laid off, or having work hours reduced due to SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19;

Under section 2202 of the CARES Act, the Treasury Department and the IRS may issue guidance that expands the list of factors taken into account to determine whether an individual is a qualified individual as a result of experiencing adverse financial consequences. The Treasury Department and the IRS have received and are reviewing comments from the public requesting that the list of factors be expanded.