Can I deduct scrub caps as a surgical nurse on my 2025 tax return?

I heard there's an exception for certain professions though? I think my tax preparer mentioned something about some medical professionals still being able to deduct uniforms. Does that apply here?

There are some very limited exceptions, but they typically don't apply to most W-2 employees in the healthcare field. The exceptions are mainly for qualified performing artists, fee-basis state/local government officials, armed forces reservists, and teachers (who get a special above-the-line deduction for up to $250 of classroom supplies). Medical professionals working as W-2 employees generally cannot deduct their scrubs or other uniform expenses on their personal returns. If you're self-employed or an independent contractor, that's different - then you would report those expenses on Schedule C.

Did it actually give you different advice than what the person above said? Because from what I understand, these types of deductions went away for most people with the tax changes a few years ago.

How exactly does this work? Do you just upload documents and it gives you tax advice? Is that even legitimate tax advice you can rely on if you get audited?

It didn't contradict what was said above, but it gave me personalized analysis that helped me understand exactly why I couldn't deduct certain expenses as a W-2 employee. It also flagged that a portion of my expenses related to my side hustle (I pick up PRN shifts as an independent contractor) could actually be deductible on Schedule C. The way it works is you upload your documents and it uses AI to analyze them, identify potential deductions, and explain tax rules that apply to your specific situation. It's legitimate in the sense that it cites actual tax code and regulations, but obviously it's still your responsibility to make sure everything on your return is accurate.

How does that even work? Wouldn't the IRS just hang up if it's not you on the phone when they answer?

Yeah right, sounds sketchy. There's no way this actually works. The IRS would never allow a third party to wait on hold for you. I'll stick with wasting my day on hold, thanks.

The system actually places the call to the IRS and waits on hold for you. When an IRS agent picks up, the system immediately connects you to the call - so when the agent comes on, you're the one speaking to them directly. It's not like someone else is talking to the IRS on your behalf. It's completely legitimate - the IRS doesn't even know the system was holding for you. From their perspective, you were just on hold the whole time. The difference is you don't have to listen to the hold music for 3 hours. They just call you when an agent is on the line.

That's actually a great idea! I hadn't thought about approaching administration about this. Did you have to get a bunch of nurses together to request this, or was it something you could bring up individually? My hospital is pretty large so I'm not sure who I'd even talk to about starting something like this.

I started by talking to my direct supervisor, who directed me to HR. We eventually got several departments together (surgery, L&D, ICU) to show it was a widespread concern. The key was framing it as both an employee retention benefit and infection control issue - pointing out that hospital-provided caps would ensure proper laundering and replacement. I'd recommend starting with your unit manager and asking who handles employee benefits or uniform policies. Having a few colleagues support you definitely helps, especially if you can get someone from administration on your side. Even a small allowance is better than nothing!

Setting up an LLC can be helpful if you're doing independent contractor work, but it doesn't automatically change your tax situation. The key is whether you're working as an employee (W-2) or independent contractor (1099-NEC). If you're getting 1099 income, then you can deduct ordinary and necessary business expenses (like scrub caps used for that work) on Schedule C, whether or not you have an LLC. The LLC mainly provides liability protection, but for tax purposes, a single-member LLC is typically treated as a "disregarded entity" and you'd still report the income on Schedule C.