Job Search Expenses are Tax-Deductable

April 12, 2010 - PRLog -- LAKEWOOD, CO: As tax day quickly approaches, many job seekers are shocked at the amount they will have to pay on their taxes.  However, recognizing expenses related to their job search can help soften the blow.

"As long as your expenses relate to your same occupation, you can deduct them from your Federal income taxes," states Donna Shannon, President of Coyote Visions and author of Get a Job Without Going Crazy.  "Some of these expenses include resume services, travel expenses and even outplacement agency fees."

While the deductions do help relieve some of the tax burden of job seekers in 2009, there are limitations.  In particular, only expenses for the job seeker's current occupation can be considered. First time job seekers are not eligible for the deduction.

One of the more confusing restrictions relates to the amount of time in between jobs.  If a job seeker takes a break between leaving a job and starting the search for a new one, the expenses are not deductable.  However, people who left a job for any reason and began searching for a new job immediately are eligible for the tax deduction.

A taxpayer does not have to be unemployed to take advantage of the job search expenses. Nor does the candidate have to be successful in getting a new job; what is most important is that the expenses relate to the job seekers' established occupation.

For more information about the deductible job search expenses, see the IRS Publication 529: Miscellaneous Deductions available on-line at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p529.pdf or consult a local tax professional.

If you would like more information or to schedule an interview with Donna Shannon, author of "Get a Job Without Going Crazy," please call 720-341-8229 or email donna@coyotevisions.com.

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Since 2004, Coyote Visions has helped job seekers in a variety of industries through resume services, coaching and job searching classes. Our specialties include private service, career transitions and tools to successfully navigate the hiring maze.