Can employees deduct any job-related expenses?
Job-related expenses for employees are no longer deductible on most people’s federal return in tax years 2018 through 2025 due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) that Congress signed into law on December 22, 2017. This includes commuting expenses between your home and main workplace, even if your workplace is far away or you conduct business or haul work supplies during your commute.
However, the job-related expenses deduction is still available to people who work in one of these specific professions or situations:
Armed Forces reservist
Qualified performing artist
Fee-basis state or local government official
You're disabled and have impairment-related expenses
Additionally, job-related expenses may be deductible in your state. Enter your expenses and we’ll figure out if you can deduct them.
Expenses that qualify for this deduction are those the IRS considers "ordinary and necessary" for work, like uniforms, tools, union dues, licenses, and travel between job sites.
How do I enter job-related employee expenses in TurboTax? (Form 2106)
If you’re self-employed or own a business, enter your business-related expenses on Schedule C instead.
If you meet the requirements mentioned above, here's how to enter your job-related expenses:
Navigate to the 2106 section:
TurboTax Online/Mobile: Go to the 2106 screen under Deductions & credits in the Federal section.
TurboTax Desktop: Search for 2106 and then select the Jump to link or,
Go to Federal Taxes.
Go to Deductions & Credits.
If asked, How do you want to enter your deductions and credits?, select, I'll choose what I work on.
Under Employment Expenses, select Start or Update next to Job-Related Expenses.
Answer Yes on the Do you have any expenses... screen.
Enter your occupation on the next screen, then select Continue.
If you land on the Job-Related Expenses Summary screen, you can select Add Another Occupation (to add another 2106), Edit (for an existing 2106), or Delete.
Answer the questions about your occupation and follow the on-screen instructions to enter your employee expenses.
