Re: 2009 Planning: Employee Business Expenses

Dear Client:

Now may be a good time to evaluate the expenses you incur as an employee in connection with your work. While
your employer may be reimbursing you for some of these expenses, there may be others for which you are bearing
the cost yet not utilizing the tax benefit. Through proper substantiation, it is possible that you may be able to obtain
greater reimbursement from your employer. Alternatively, you may be entitled to deduct such expenses as
miscellaneous itemized deductions.

In order to be reimbursed and/or deducted, trade or business expenses must be ordinary, necessary, and
reasonable. They also must be properly substantiated. Examples of qualifying expenses include:

Travel, transportation, meal, or entertainment expenses

Safety equipment, small tools, or supplies

Uniforms required by your employer that are not suitable for everyday wear

Required protective clothing

Dues to professional organizations

Subscriptions to professional journals

Certain job hunting expenses

Certain expenses for the business use of your home

Computer costs

Work-related educational expenses

The rules for deducting these expenses, as well as substantiating your deduction, vary according to the type of
expense involved. Please call our office to discuss how to maximize the tax benefits of your employee business
expenses. Meanwhile, please be sure to maintain appropriate records and receipts to substantiate your expenses.

Sincerely yours,