Is a manager the same as employer? If I'm employed by an organization and provide gifts to my group, could the gifts be tax deductible as if I'm the employer?

[TomD8 · Accepted solution]

If you're a W-2 employee, your unreimbursed employee business expenses (such as gifts to your group) are no longer deductible under the new tax law.

[daddyruchir]

Thanks, TomD8.  But, what about unreimbursed expenses we had for work?  I see in the Deductions & Credits section an entry for "Business gifts."

[daddyruchir]

Oh I see, in 2018, this is no longer deductible on the federal return, unless, possibly, if it's over 2% of AGI.

[TomD8]

Unreimbursed employee business expenses are no longer deductible on your federal return, but some states still allow it.  That is why TT asks for the information.  If your state still allows for the deduction, you'll be asked about it when you do your state return.