Writing off business expenses as W-2 employee

[Eric Veronica]

Wondering if anyone has been as negatively impacted by the new tax laws as I have and looking for a solution.  This question is directed towards other CPAs, loan officers or any other commission employees who are paid by a W-2. 

My understanding is that starting in 2018 a W-2 employee can no longer deduct  unreimbursed business expenses from their income.  Even though my income is 100% commission and 100% derived from the business that I generate I cannot write off anything.  I am not talking about grey area stuff like mileage or internet or cell phone.  I am talking about expenses like google adwords, website development, buying leads, and even paying for my biggerpockets membership.  

Last year this cost me thousands of dollars in extra taxes.  Anyone else has been as negatively impacted by the new tax laws as I have?  Any solutions?  CPA recommendations?

[Eamonn McElroy]

@Eric Veronica

Does your employer have an employee expense reimbursement plan?

I would push back on your employer and see if they might be willing to cover all or even a portion of your out of pocket expenses if the expenses help you create revenue for the company.

Let them know under the TCJA, you've effectively taken a pay cut as your unreimbursed employee expenses are non-deductible for all tax years before 2026.

Other than that and going out on your own as discussed above, there's not too much you can do.  Scale back the expenses?  That may hurt your business generation.