As of current tax law, you can no longer deduct most miscellaneous itemized deductions that are subject to the 2% of Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) floor, including many job-related expenses. This includes unreimbursed employee expenses such as office supplies, travel, or home office costs, unless you fall into a specific category (e.g., eligible educators or certain performance-based roles) as outlined in IRS Publication 529.
Specific Expenses No Longer Deductible
- Investment-related fees: Investment fees, custodial fees, trust administration fees, and other expenses for managing investments that produce taxable income are no longer deductible.
- Legal expenses: Legal fees incurred to produce or collect taxable income or for tax-related matters (nonbusiness) are not deductible. However, legal expenses related to defending your job (e.g., criminal charges arising from your trade or business) may be deductible if reported on Schedule C, E, or F.
- Office and clerical expenses: Rent for an office or clerical help used for investment activities is no longer deductible.
- Safe deposit box rent: Rent for a safe deposit box used to store investment-related documents or securities is not deductible.
- Appraisal fees: Fees paid to determine fair market value for donated property or casualty losses are no longer deductible.
- Fees to collect interest/dividends: Fees paid to brokers or banks to collect taxable interest or dividends are not deductible.
- Casualty and theft losses (employee-related): Losses from damaged or stolen property used in performing services as an employee are no longer deductible.
- Credit/debit card convenience fees: Fees charged for paying taxes via credit or debit card are not deductible.
- Depreciation on home computer: Depreciation on a home computer used for investment activities is not deductible.
Important Exception
You may still deduct certain unreimbursed employee expenses if you qualify under specific categories (e.g., eligible educators) or if the expenses relate directly to your job in a way that qualifies under Schedule C, E, or F. For example, legal expenses tied to business income reported on those schedules may still be deductible.
Source:
Publication 529: Miscellaneous Deductions
Disclaimer: Always verify with the current year’s Federal or State Department of Revenue Forms and Instructions. Tax laws may change annually. For complex situations, consult a CPA or tax attorney.