Miscellaneous itemized deductions easy to forget, can add up to major savings

By Marcia Parker, U.S. Army Garrison Office of the Staff Judge AdvocateMarch 20, 2009

Miscellaneous itemized deductions are often the most difficult to remember at tax time.

In most cases, only the miscellaneous deductions that exceed 2 percent of the adjusted gross income are deductible.

Did you incur any of the following expenses in 2008'

1: Dues to chambers of commerce, professional societies and unions

2:Unemployment-related education

3: Job search expenses in your present occupation

4: Legal fees related to doing or keeping your job and protecting or collecting taxable income

5: Malpractice insurance premiums

6: Medical examinations re-quired by an employer

7: A passport for a business trip

8: Subscriptions to professional journals and trade magazines related to your work

9: Tools, supplies and safety equipment used in your work

10: Work clothes and uniforms and their upkeep cost

11: Tax preparation fees

12: A safe-deposit box

If you incurred any of these expenses, notify your tax professional so he or she can determine if they are deductible. One you get past the 2 percent limit, these deductions can really add up!