Tax deduction question (work related purchases)

Mamageedee · February 2014

I have a kind of strange question. I recently started a new job at a Law Office. I'm the assistant to 2 attorneys. Basically clerical duties etc. Okay prior to this job I've always been an administrator but in the recreation field... so my work attire was the same as my weekend attire.... jeans and tennis shoes.... etc. This new job required a whole new professional wardrobe. Also there are a couple purchases that would make my job easier such as a new phone and a tablet (like ipad). They aren't "required" but the other assistants in our suite all use them and have said they make their jobs so much easier. Soooo my question is: Can I reasonably write off these items (wardrobe and tablet) on my taxes? Finding out if I can or not will really help determine weather I purchase the tablet and new phone or not.

formerlyGDaisy09 · February 2014

From my financial advisor, the answer is No.

for Attire, her rule of thumb is, if you could wear it into the super market after work and not get strange looks you can't write it off. I've been able to write off clothing/shoe purchases for my PT job teaching ballet...I'd get some pretty strange looks if I walked into the super market with a leotard and pointe shoes on. Special safety equipment can be written off ex. H is required to wear steel-toed boots to his job at FedEx, we can write those off, but not his required kakhi/collared shirt.

as for the phone/ipad, i think the answer is also no, unless you can prove to the IRS that you are 100% using them for work. you might be able to figure out what percentage you use them for work...but if they're for work it's easier to just have your compay buy them for you.

Tax deduction question (work related purchases)

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