Tax Tip: Are Work Clothes Tax Deductible?
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Hemera/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — The IRS lets you deduct work-related items, but it’s pretty specific on what qualifies.
If you plan on deducting supplies like paper, pens or even a computer, be prepared to prove that they were necessary for you to do your job.
“You can’t deduct something that could improve and qualify you for a higher position but you can certainly deduct things that will maintain your current position,” says tax accountant Janice Hayman.
Does that mean you can go on a shopping spree to upgrade your business wardrobe and deduct it? Not really, says Hayman.
“When it comes to wardrobe, it can only be something very specific, either a uniform, or if you’re on camera, on stage,” she explains.
If you work out of a home office, you can also look at partially deducting some indirect costs, like home utility and phone charges.
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