Can Clothing Costs Be Deducted on Tax Returns?
To deduct clothing as a business expense on your taxes, you must be required to purchase specific clothing exclusively for work that is not suitable for everyday wear. These expenses must be paid by you and not reimbursed by your employer. Clothing costs will be added in with other miscellaneous deductions and will be subject to a 2 percent limit, meaning that only those expenses that exceed 2 percent of your adjusted gross income will be deductible.
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Distinctive Clothing
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According to the Internal Revenue Service, members of the following professions may be able to deduct clothing costs: postal workers, delivery persons, law enforcement personnel, firefighters, transportation employees, health care employees and professional athletes. Also, those who perform in theatrical or musical productions can deduct the cost of costumes. You can also deduct the cost of clothing upkeep such as dry cleaning and tailoring.
Military Clothing
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Active duty military personnel cannot deduct the costs of uniforms, according to the IRS. However, reservists can deduct the cost of required clothing not suitable for everyday wear. Teachers at military schools can deduct the cost of required uniforms.
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Protective Gear
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In addition to clothing, you can also deduct the cost of protective gear such as safety goggles and gloves. Hard hats and work boots are also deductible. The IRS notes that the following types of occupations often require protective clothing: truck drivers, electricians, pipe fitters, steamfitters, fishing boat workers, cement workers, machinists, chemical workers, carpenters and oil field workers.
Filing
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Clothing and upkeep expenses should be deducted as unreimbursed employee expenses on line 21 on Schedule A. You will complete a Schedule A whenever you itemize deductions. You will not be able to take this deduction if you should choose to take the standard deduction rather than itemize deductions.
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References
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