Gunnip Blog Planning 2016: Employee Business Expenses

Planning 2016: Employee Business ExpensesNow may be a good time to evaluate the expenses you incur as an employee in connection with your work. While your employer may be reimbursing you for some of these expenses, there may be others for which you are bearing the cost yet not utilizing the tax benefit. Through proper substantiation, it is possible that you may be able to obtain greater reimbursement from your employer. Alternatively, you may be entitled to deduct such expenses as miscellaneous itemized deductions.In order to be reimbursed and/or deducted, trade or business expenses must be ordinary, necessary, and reasonable. They also must be properly substantiated. Examples of qualifying expenses include:Travel, transportation, meal, or entertainment expensesSafety equipment, small tools, or suppliesUniforms required by your employer that are not suitable for everyday wearRequired protective clothingDues to professional organizationsSubscriptions to professional journalsCertain job hunting expensesCertain expenses for the business use of your homeComputer costsWork-related educational expensesYou may also benefit from a review of the business expenses related to the use of your home. If you qualify for the home office deduction, you may be able to deduct part of your home's normal operating expenses, such as utilities and insurance. The tax-savings opportunities available to you are dependent not only on the type of work you do at home, but where in your home you perform it.The rules for deducting these expenses, as well as substantiating your deduction, vary according to the type of expense involved. It is important to retain all records and receipts that document the time, place, and business purpose of each expense. Please call our office at your earliest convenience to schedule an appointment. Posted in: Personal, Tax, BusinessShare