So i just started at ups in november. Are my union dues a write off? Can i do it in the EZ form
Im still young and this tax crap confuses me. Thanks
I recommend TurboTax. It's free since you're low income:
TurboTax® Freedom Edition, Free File Alliance, Intuit Tax Freedom Project
Gather up all your tax documents -- things like all your W-2s, and if you're in school, the tax form your school sent you -- and begin using the program. It will do all the thinking for you & you'll probably finish in less than 15 minutes. Probably even 5.
As far as writing off union dues... no. When you pay taxes, you don't pay it on your entire income, but rather an adjusted amount. You can claim either a standard deduction ($5,950) or itemize things that are deductible -- like a variable portion of mortgage interest and union dues -- to calculate a deduction higher than the standard. Typically, you need a mortgage in order to itemize.
Yes u can deduct it. Don't know about ez. Also shoes boots and other stuff job related. Question is, do u have enuf deductions to file long form? Otherwise just take the standard deduction. All depends on ur current finances....
Courts have ruled that in order for work-related expenses to be deductible, they cannot reasonably be used outside of work. Thus, if you were paying for your UPS uniform, it would be tax deductible. But not your shoes. Nor your cell phone. It amazes me how many drivers deduct not only their cell phone, but their entire cell phone plan -- including data -- saying "my accountant said it's OK." You need to fire your accountant if that's the case (it probably isn't). That said... unless you're cheating in other areas, or you have too many of these deductions (you're claiming your family's annual $5,000 cell phone bill as deductible) you're not likely to be audited.