In the latest issue of its Summertime Tax Tips series, the IRS addresses deductions that may be claimed by job-seekers that could supply some tax relief come April:
1. The deduction is allowed only if you are searching for work within the same field in which you currently work.
2. Money spent on preparing and mailing resumes is deductible.
3. Employment agency fees are also deductible.
4. Money spent traveling in search of employment within the same occupation is deductible as long as the trip is undertaken primarily for the job search.
5. These types of job search deductions are not allowed if there was a substantial break between the end of the last job and the beginning of your search.
6. These types of deductions are not allowed for first time job searches (i.e., only for reemployment purposes).
7. You can claim job search expenses that amounts to more than 2% of your adjusted gross income.