I entered job related expenses for an occupation, and then I needed to go back later to add some more items to the list. For some reason, I couldn't get to the itemized list to add additional items. So, I deleted the occupation and then tried to add it again. The same thing happened, but now I have $0 job-related expenses instead of $5000+. This doesn't make a difference for Federal Taxes, but it will make a difference for state taxes. How do I correct this? I am using TurboTax Deluxe desktop.
We cannot see your screen or your return, of course, so not entirely sure what you did to obliterate your job-related expenses, but the desktop software is pretty easy to navigate (compared to online).
Go to Federal>Deductions and Credits>Employment Expenses>Job-Related Expenses.
I've done this, but it doesn't prompt me to enter anything. It goes directly to saying it doesn't apply. Here's the order of the screens:
if you only get a w-2 the expenses aren't deductible for federal purposes
in you are an independent contractor the expenses go on schedule c.
if you are both an IC and get a w-2, a reasonable method needs to be used to allocate expenses between the two activities.
for employee expenses deductible on state return only
in forms mode type in 2106 in search box. window will open. in the smart worksheet for part 1 check box c5
in part1 step 1 enter your expenses.
every state is a little bit different so it may be that different steps have to be taken to get the deduction for the state. some states may require entries in the state return section