random tax question

so. if you *aren't* self-employed, can you deduct work expenses that your employer doesn't cover? for instance, if your employer requires you to be available to telecommute, can you deduct your internet bill?

since no one jumped in on the wireless card thing, I'm figuring I'll just get my own. but it'll be a two year contract (vomit) so I want to make sure I can get some benefit financially out of it.

I believe you can. I am not self-employed, but do work from home and deduct any costs my employer doesn't cover. I bought a printer/scanner last year and my incredibly competent accountant said I should deduct it. Same for internet and phone bills my employer doesn't pay.

self employed here, and yes you can write off your internet. And, possibly, your phone, both home and cell.

good. if my boss doesn't give me satisfaction on this one, I'll take matters into my own hands! thanks all.

I deduct all my home office stuff and I'm not self employed or freelancing (anymore.) However, my company has no central office of any kind so I really do totally work from home (or at a client.)
I write off internet, phone and a large portion of my rent and utilities because I have a studio and use half of it as workspace. Truth be told, I probably spend more than 50% more time at home due to working, but I feel bad writing off more than that.

alafairnadia wrote: good. if my boss doesn't give me satisfaction on this one, I'll take matters into my own hands! thanks all.

Why did I immediately think of the Babeland posts when you said this? ;-)

<---needs to get out more

The thing is, you're supposed to separate private from work, or somehow account for how much of your space, internet, phone, equipment is work-related, which can be a hassle. I have separate DSL for work, could probably put a separate VOIP on it, etc.