In some cases, employees are required to use personal materials or goods to complete their duties as required by their employer.
For example, if you are required to purchase tools personally and are a salaried employee, you may be able to claim these costs on your taxes. Another example is if you are in sales and you use your personal vehicle to meet clients and/or deliver goods purchased by your clients to their place of business. These are just a few examples of many situations in which an employee may be eligible to claim deductions on their personal tax returns from employment related expenses.
Please note, however, there is a second aspect in that the employer must also provide the appropriate tax documents for your records that will support the tax deductions you are making. If done correctly, this aspect of your tax return can lead to additional tax savings. It can, however, be rather complex and is definitely a great opportunity to get your tax accountant involved to ensure accuracy and maximize those refunds in the spring.