The Construction Worker Tax Deduction Checklist
It is that special time of year that individuals file their personal income taxes, including those in the construction industry who can benefit from the Construction Worker Tax Deduction Checklist. As we begin to complete our tax returns, individuals may or may not be aware that business related expenses incurred are subject to tax deductions. If your company does not reimburse their employees for these expenses, then the construction worker can deduct those items from their taxes. However, the expenses can only be deducted if they exceed 2% of your adjusted gross income (AGI). For example, if a construction worker’s AGI is $50,000. The 2% AGI limitation would equal $1,000. Any expenses that have reached the threshold over $1,000 can be deducted.
Let’s take a look at a few tax deductions that a construction worker may be able to claim:
Table of Contents
Uniform and Gear
The clothing must be specific to your job and not suitable as everyday clothing. Although you wear jeans and shirts to the jobsite, they are not deductible as they can be used as everyday clothing. However, if you job requires you to purchase a uniform or special clothing such as coveralls then those can be deducted as a specific work related expense. Similarly, personal protective equipment is requirement for your job and a deductible work expense.
Uniforms
Dry cleaning for uniforms
Eye protection glasses
Safety gloves
Protective hearing devices
Hard Hats
Respirators
While the following may be a requirement for your job, individuals are not able to deduct these following expenses:
Business suits
Jeans
Haircuts
Professional Development
Work related expenses to improve your skills or further your career qualify as a tax deduction. However, those deductions are limited if they apply to your current job or profession. Unfortunately, if you seek to change jobs or pursue a new trade, any of those educational expenses will not apply.
Union Fees
Association Membership fees
Conferences, seminars, and training course
Educational Expenses
Professional Publications such as books or magazine subscriptions
Job Hunting Expenses
First aid courses
Business Travel
For any business travel that takes you away from your home for a period of time, you will be able to deduct those expenses. Some travel might include visiting a client, jobsite, vendor, or even a attending tradeshow. The following expenses are tax deductible:
Transportation costs incurred include mileage, rental car, train, airfare, taxi, uber, etc.
Baggage fees or shipping costs
Lodging
Meals
Dry cleaning or laundry
Tips for services
If you combine your business travel with a personal vacation, there are separate rules regarding deductions of costs. You can only deduct your travel expenses incurred during the business portion of your trip. For example, if you were attending a tradeshow in Orlando for three days, you can only deduct your expenses during the course of the show. If your family attended the trip with you, you cannot deduct any of their expenses. If you extended your stay, you cannot deduct any of the expenses beyond the three-day portion of the trip.
Driving Expenses
Whether you are driving to work or taking public transportation, regular commuting costs from home to office are not tax deductible. However, individuals can deduct travel expenses in connection with a work assignment away from home or the main office. Construction workers that commute to the jobsite or travel to the jobsite can deduct those travel expenses. Such everyday travel expenses include:
Home to jobsite mileage
Office and a jobsite mileage
Between two jobsites mileage
Parking fees and tolls
Tools and Equipment
What is a construction worker without their tools? Many companies supply tools for their employees, but sometimes employees purchase their own if they have a favorite brand. However, if you use the tools for both business and personal purposes, then the construction worker can deduct only a portion of their costs. The construction worker can only deduct the percentage of time that he uses the item for work purposes. For example, a construction worker purchases a set of tools for $500. He uses the tools for work 75% of the time and 25% of the time for personal use. The construction worker can only deduct $375.
Tools and equipment
Repairs to tools and equipment
Insurance of equipment
Computer, tablets and smartphones
It’s important to remember that expenses reimbursed by your employer cannot be claimed as tax deductions. Since the construction worker already received payment for those items, those items are already considered paid and the employees cannot deduct any of the reimbursed amounts. Individuals must complete a Schedule A for Itemized Deductions (Form 1040).
Disclaimer: This is article is for informational purposes only and cannot serve as tax, legal or accounting advice. Readers should consult a tax or accounting professional regarding their specific financial situation. See full disclaimer here.
Resources:
