When you seek out a new job in the same occupation, you may be able to deduct some of the costs you incur through the hunting process. If you want to know how to get a little more cash back in a time when you’re trying to save, you should be aware of the following facts about job hunting deductions.

What You Can Deduct:

• Same Field: You have to seek employment in the same line of work you currently work in f you want to claim a deduction for job search expenses. You can’t deduct costs associated with a new occupation.
• Résumé Services: If you use third party services to prepare or mail your résumé, you can deduct the expense.
• Travel: if your job search requires you to travel, there’s a chance you will be able to deduct the expenses. The trip has to be a main purpose in order to deduct the cost of traveling to and from job search location. If not, you may be able to claim a portion of the expense.
• Third Party Placement: Costs you paid to a placement agency to help you find a job may be deductible.

What You Can’t Deduct:

• First Time Employment: Similar to looking for a new line of work, you can’t deduct expenses if you are seeking your first job.
• Employment Gap: If it’s been awhile since your last job, and the time you start looking for a new one, you won’t be able to deduct the job search expenses.
• Reimbursement: Any costs that have been reimbursed by another person or party are not deductible.

To deduct job search expenses, you’ll need to file Schedule A, Itemized Deductions, in which they are classified as a miscellaneous deduction. Any miscellaneous deductions must be greater than two percent of your adjusted gross income.