Can I write off tools for work?

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1

I’m young and still learning about taxes. I work as a truck driver for a small company, and our mechanic told me I could write off tools on my taxes. He’s older and has a lot of tools, almost worth 500k. Since I work on my own truck and plan to buy tools to keep with me on long hauls, is it worth trying to write them off? Can I even do that? What do I need to do? I plan on buying a lot of tools and good quality ones since I’ll need them for a long time.

2

Are you a W-2 employee or self-employed with a 1099 NEC? That will affect if you can write them off.

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Corey said:
Are you a W-2 employee or self-employed with a 1099 NEC? That will affect if you can write them off.

I’m a W-2 employee.

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If you’re an employee, you can’t deduct tools on your federal taxes. However, some states allow deductions for work-related tools. You’d only be able to deduct the percentage used for work versus personal use.

5

@Rin
That’s a shame. I don’t have a state income tax though, so I guess that’s not an option either. Looks like the mechanic was just talking because he’s employed, not a contractor.

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Kai said:
@Rin
That’s a shame. I don’t have a state income tax though, so I guess that’s not an option either. Looks like the mechanic was just talking because he’s employed, not a contractor.

Before the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, employees could deduct those expenses. There’s a chance it might come back for tax year 2025 if TCJA isn’t renewed.

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@Rin
So should I still keep receipts for next year, just in case the act expires?

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Kai said:
@Rin
So should I still keep receipts for next year, just in case the act expires?

Yes, keep receipts for tools you buy in 2025, in case the law changes. Also, track what percentage of the tools you use for work vs personal.

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@Rin
Got it! But how do I track how much I use them for work versus personal use?

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Kai said:
@Rin
Got it! But how do I track how much I use them for work versus personal use?

Keep the tools with your truck and don’t use them at home. Then, they are 100% work-related.

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@Rin
Alright, thanks for the help!

12

If you’re self-employed, yes, you can write off tools. But if you’re an employee, not so much. Maybe a state exemption, depending on where you live.

13

Holland said:
If you’re self-employed, yes, you can write off tools. But if you’re an employee, not so much. Maybe a state exemption, depending on where you live.

What about Alaska?