Tax Deductions for Correctional Officers

Correctional Officer

In order to work as a correctional officer, you have to ensure the safety and protection of those around you. When tax season rolls around, you'll need to exhibit the same amount of caution when filing ytour tax return. You'll receive a Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement from your employer, which will list your earnings and withholdings for the year. If you provide services outside oyur regular employer, or you freelance, you're considered self-employed. This income is reportable on a Schedule C, Profit or Loss from Business. Your client may provide a Form 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Income, and any net earnings greater than $400 are subject to self-employment tax. You may need to make estimated tax payments to cover the amount you reported.

As an employee, you may reduce your tax liability by claiming unreimbursed work related expenses on a Schedule A. Self-employed individuals use the Schedule C to deduct expenses. Keep receipts in order to document your expenses. Some examples of expenses that can be deducted include:

  • Subscriptions to publications associated with your work
  • Dues for trade affiliations or unions
  • Insurance premiums for liability or protection against risk or wrongful acts
  • Specialized gear that is replaceable inside of one year
  • The expense and upkeep of uniforms in the event that they are needed for work and not suitable for regular wear
  • State or local government regulatory fees, licenses, or flat rate occupational taxes as long as they are not paid for introductory certification or licensing.
Educational courses may also be deducted if they meet certain requirements. The training cannot qualify you for a new job or help you meet the requirements of your current job. This means that refresher courses, vocational classes, and those that discuss advancements usually qualify. If you file a Schedule C as a self-employed individual, you may be able to deduct additional expenses such as:
  • Business bad debts
  • Car and truck costs when getting to and from work sites to another work site
  • Employee pay and remuneration, for example, rewards or commissions
  • Legal and expert charges, for example, bookkeeping or lawful counsel that are directly identified with the operation of your business
  • Rental cost for business use property, for example, trailer and gear rentals
  • Travel costs for leaving your business home in the event that you are obligated to be far from home for more than a regular day's work - examples being tolls, parking fees, air, boat, or ground transportation costs, lodging and meals with limitations
  • Cell phone for business use
  • Advertising
  • Equipment repairs and upkeep
  • Supplies and materials
  • Excise charges and individual property tax imposed on the business