Can I write off Karate lessons on my taxes if I work in private security? Are martial arts tax deductible?

But what if their employment contract mentions something about "maintaining physical readiness" or "self-defense capabilities" without specifically saying "karate"? Would that give them enough of a connection to claim it?

If your employment contract specifically mentions maintaining physical readiness or self-defense capabilities, that definitely strengthens your case, though it's still in a gray area. You'd want to document how karate specifically fulfills that requirement and how it directly relates to your security duties. The key is establishing that these aren't just generally useful skills but are directly applicable to your specific security position. If you ever face an audit, you'd need to show the clear connection between the training and your current job duties.

Does it really work with unusual deductions like this? Most tax software I've tried just asks generic questions about common deductions but doesn't help with borderline cases.

Seems sketchy. How does it actually determine what the IRS would accept? Is there any guarantee they'll back you if you get audited based on their advice?

It absolutely works with unusual deductions - that's actually where it shines compared to regular tax software. It doesn't just ask generic questions but analyzes your specific circumstances against tax law and previous rulings. The tool doesn't just give yes/no answers - it actually explains the relevant tax code and provides documentation guidance for borderline cases. It shows you exactly what you need to prove the connection between the expense and your work. No guarantees of course, but it gives you the best possible case to make with proper documentation.

How does this service even work? The IRS phone system is deliberately designed to be a nightmare. I find it hard to believe any service can just magically get through.

This sounds like BS honestly. If there was a way to skip the IRS phone queue everybody would be using it. Plus isn't giving your tax info to some random service kinda risky?

The service works by using an automated system that navigates the IRS phone tree and waits on hold for you. When an agent actually picks up, you get a call connecting you directly to them. It's not "skipping" the queue - they're just waiting in it so you don't have to. You don't give them any tax information at all. They're just connecting the call - they don't need or ask for any personal tax details. They're just solving the phone wait problem, not providing tax advice. Think of it like having someone physically wait in a line for you and then call when they reach the front.

No official policy unfortunately. Just verbal encouragement from my supervisor. Should I maybe ask for something in writing? Or would that seem suspicious?

Definitely ask for something in writing. It doesn't have to be a formal policy - even an email from your supervisor stating that your karate training is beneficial for your security role would help create a paper trail. This wouldn't seem suspicious at all - it's simply good practice to document anything you plan to claim on your taxes. Just be straightforward about wanting to make sure you have proper documentation for tax purposes. The more official support you can get, the stronger your position would be if questioned.

This is a really important point! The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act suspended employee business expense deductions from 2018 through 2025. If you're a W-2 employee, you can't deduct unreimbursed work expenses anymore. BUT if you're an independent contractor (1099 worker), you can still deduct legitimate business expenses on Schedule C.