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Tax Deductions for Job Search Expenses

AUTHOR:      Melinda Freels, SPHR
PUBLISHED:  March 3, 2005

Did you know that certain job search related expenses can be a deduction against your taxable income? The expenses must always be unreimbursed.

You cannot deduct job search expenses if:

You have never been employed


You are changing occupations


There has been a significant lapse between the ending of your last job and your search for a new one
If you meet the above criteria, then you can deduct:

Costs of typing, printing, and mailing copies of your resume, including resume preparation by a professional service

Phone and fax expenses related to your job search

Employment or placement agency fees

Travel, but the trip must be primarily to look for a job. If you drive you can deduct the standard mileage rate of 36 cents per mile.
Job search expenses are classified as "miscellaneous itemized deductions" on Schedule A. They are only deductible from your income if you itemize deductions and only to the extent that the total exceeds 2% of your adjusted gross income.

NOTE: Execume, Inc. is not an accounting firm and these tax tips should be discussed with a qualified accounting professional. Execume, Inc. is not responsible for and has no liability for the suggestions herein.

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