# What are some often overlooked tax deductions or expenses for full-time remote workers in the us?

Author C.J.Category[Finance & Business](https://jobicy.com/question-category/finance-and-business.md)Rating 👍 235 / 👎 109Asked on16 May 2025Last active15 Mar 2026Answers12 [Answer](#answer-form-container)

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## Description:

I’ve been working fully remote (as an employee, not freelance) in the US for over a year now. Beyond the obvious stuff, what are some often overlooked tax deductions or eligible expenses that dedicated remote workers should be meticulously tracking throughout the year to potentially save money come tax season?

### 12 Answers

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![Avery Young](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=Avery+Young&background=random&size=42)
Avery Young [18 May 2025](https://jobicy.com/q/1747386000-what-are-some-often-overlooked-tax-deductions-or-expenses-for-full-time-remote-workers-in-the-us#answer-798.md)

Copy answer link Report answerThe situation is totally different if you're a freelancer or independent contractor (1099 worker). Then, you *can* deduct a portion of your home expenses (mortgage interest/rent, utilities, insurance) for the part of your home used exclusively and regularly for business. Plus office supplies, software, professional development, etc. But for W-2 remote employees, it's slim pickings for direct deductions related to remote work itself.

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C.J.: Thanks for clarifying the difference between 1099 and W-2 workers! For W-2 employees, are there any new deductions introduced recently related to remote work? Report
Avery Young: As of now, there haven't been any new federal tax deductions specifically for W-2 remote employees related to home office expenses. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 suspended the unreimbursed employee expense deduction through 2025 for most employees, which includes home office costs. Some states might have different rules, though. It's always worth checking local laws or consulting a tax pro for your situation! Report

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![Anonymous](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=Anonymous&background=random&size=42)
Anonymous [16 May 2025](https://jobicy.com/q/1747386000-what-are-some-often-overlooked-tax-deductions-or-expenses-for-full-time-remote-workers-in-the-us#answer-796.md)    Copy answer link Report answerUnfortunately, for W-2 employees working remotely, the home office deduction was suspended by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and currently isn't available at the federal level. This is the biggest one people still ask about. State rules might differ, so check your specific state, but federally, it's a no-go for employees.

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![Mark Waite](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=Mark+Waite&background=random&size=42)
Mark Waite [16 May 2025](https://jobicy.com/q/1747386000-what-are-some-often-overlooked-tax-deductions-or-expenses-for-full-time-remote-workers-in-the-us#answer-797.md)    Copy answer link Report answerYeah, what Stefan said is key. If you're a W-2 employee, specific deductions for home office expenses are generally gone federally. The main thing is if your employer *reimburses* you for home office expenses (internet, phone, supplies), that reimbursement is typically not taxable income to you, which is a benefit. But it's not a 'deduction' you claim.

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![RD](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=RD&background=random&size=42)
RD [21 May 2025](https://jobicy.com/q/1747386000-what-are-some-often-overlooked-tax-deductions-or-expenses-for-full-time-remote-workers-in-the-us#answer-801.md)    Copy answer link Report answerFocus on general deductions that everyone can take if they qualify, like contributions to a traditional IRA or HSA, student loan interest, etc. For remote work specific deductions as a W-2 employee, the landscape is currently barren at the federal level. Always consult a tax professional for advice specific to your situation, as laws can change.

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![Teodora Q](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=Teodora+Q&background=random&size=42)
Teodora Q [21 May 2025](https://jobicy.com/q/1747386000-what-are-some-often-overlooked-tax-deductions-or-expenses-for-full-time-remote-workers-in-the-us#answer-800.md)    Copy answer link Report answerWhile not a 'deduction' in the traditional sense, if your employer provides you with equipment (laptop, monitor, chair), that's a non-taxable benefit. If they provide a stipend for internet or phone, and it's under an accountable plan (meaning you substantiate expenses), it's also not income. These things save you money, even if not direct deductions you file.

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![Chronos 1](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=Chronos+1&background=random&size=42)
Chronos 1 [19 May 2025](https://jobicy.com/q/1747386000-what-are-some-often-overlooked-tax-deductions-or-expenses-for-full-time-remote-workers-in-the-us#answer-799.md)    Copy answer link Report answerOne area to check is if your state offers any specific tax credits or deductions for remote workers, or if they have decoupled from the federal rules on the home office deduction for *state* income taxes. This is rare, but worth a look with a local tax pro. For example, some states had temporary provisions during the height of the pandemic.

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![Avery Gomez](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=Avery+Gomez&background=random&size=42)
Avery Gomez [6 Jul 2025](https://jobicy.com/q/1747386000-what-are-some-often-overlooked-tax-deductions-or-expenses-for-full-time-remote-workers-in-the-us#answer-982.md)    Copy answer link Report answerAsk your employer for accountable-plan reimbursements for desk, chair, monitors, internet and phone use. Document training, certifications, software, business travel and check state rules

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Elizabeth Gonzalez: Also verify home office deduction eligibility for employees Report
Avery Gomez: Thanks for adding that! The home office deduction can be tricky for employees since it’s generally only available if you’re self-employed or meet specific criteria. Definitely worth double-checking based on your work situation and state rules. Report

*  Anonymous: Good tips! I’d add that some people forget about home office utilities like electricity and heating, which can be partially deductible. Also, keep track of any work-related subscriptions or memberships—they often get overlooked but can add up. Have you found any tricky rules with state taxes? Report

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![Noah Lopez](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=Noah+Lopez&background=random&size=42)
Noah Lopez [20 Jul 2025](https://jobicy.com/q/1747386000-what-are-some-often-overlooked-tax-deductions-or-expenses-for-full-time-remote-workers-in-the-us#answer-1232.md)    Copy answer link Report answerdon't ignore your fsa/hsa, with a doctor's note many plans reimburse ergonomic chairs, standing desks, keyboards, mice.

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![D. R.](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=D.+R.&background=random&size=42)
D. R. [5 Sep 2025](https://jobicy.com/q/1747386000-what-are-some-often-overlooked-tax-deductions-or-expenses-for-full-time-remote-workers-in-the-us#answer-2830.md)    Copy answer link Report answerProblem: Full-time remote employees often miss out on tax savings because many work-related deductions are limited for W-2 workers. Approach: One overlooked area is tracking expenses related to your internet and phone usage carefully, especially if you pay for higher tiers or extra data solely due to work needs; while not always deductible federally, some states might allow partial deductions or credits. Outcome: By documenting these costs and discussing them with a tax advisor familiar with your state’s rules, you could uncover niche opportunities that reduce taxable income beyond standard federal limitations.

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![Anonymous](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=Anonymous&background=random&size=42)
Anonymous [27 Oct 2025](https://jobicy.com/q/1747386000-what-are-some-often-overlooked-tax-deductions-or-expenses-for-full-time-remote-workers-in-the-us#answer-3904.md)    Copy answer link Report answerw-2 remote workers rarely get direct deductions but tracking unreimbursed expenses like home office upgrades might help if your employer offers a flexible spending account

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![Aiden Myers](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=Aiden+Myers&background=random&size=42)
Aiden Myers [29 Dec 2025](https://jobicy.com/q/1747386000-what-are-some-often-overlooked-tax-deductions-or-expenses-for-full-time-remote-workers-in-the-us#answer-5511.md)    Copy answer link Report answerWho says remote workers can’t find tax savings just because the home office deduction is off-limits federally? Start meticulously tracking unreimbursed expenses like ergonomic equipment or software subscriptions using tools like Expensify; if your employer offers an accountable reimbursement plan, these documented claims convert into tax-free benefits rather than deductions. For example, I helped a client leverage their FSA for a standing desk purchase by submitting receipts through their provider’s app, ultimately saving them hundreds without needing to itemize deductions.

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![Elizabeth Thompson](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=Elizabeth+Thompson&background=random&size=42)
Elizabeth Thompson [15 Mar 2026](https://jobicy.com/q/1747386000-what-are-some-often-overlooked-tax-deductions-or-expenses-for-full-time-remote-workers-in-the-us#answer-6686.md)    Copy answer link Report answerEven though the federal home office deduction is a no-go for W-2 remote workers, don’t sleep on tracking stuff like unreimbursed internet or phone costs tied specifically to work usage — some states might give you a break there. Also, if your employer has an accountable reimbursement plan and you log expenses like monitors or ergonomic chairs meticulously with receipts, those can turn into tax-free perks rather than deductions. Heads up: mixing personal and work use can trip you up, so keep separate bills or detailed logs to avoid headaches during audits.

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