Job Hunting Expenses

Job hunting expenses (expenses incurred in finding a new job) are often tax deductible. Several conditions must be met for job hunting expenses to be deductible. First, the new job must be in the same field as the last job. Second, job hunting expenses aren't deductible if there is a lengthy break between leaving the last job and beginning the search for the new job. Finally, job hunting expenses for those seeking their first job aren't deductible. Deductible job hunting expenses include employment agency fees, resume preparation and mailing costs, advertising fees and telephone and travel expenses. Job hunting expenses are recorded as itemized deductions on Schedule A of Form 1040. In addition, the sum of the itemized deductions, including job hunting expenses, must exceed 2% of adjusted gross income to qualify.