I'm a freelance graphic designer, but occasionally a client will hire me as an employee (w2). I had one such 'client' this year when working for a political campaign over the summer. I worked the majority from their office in Chicago. I incurred many expenses, flying to and from, meals, some small equipment, etc. Will these expenses be deductible? I'd prefer to include this is business income and expenses, though since they are w2, I assume I'll need to report as standard employee income? Since the job was out-of-town temporary, can I at least write off the expenses as reimbursed employee business expenses on the 1040? (rather than Sched C expenses)

If it makes a difference, I stayed in 'campaign housing' while there. I was there 4 months. I did 90% of work from there. My expenses include:
Flight to an from, plus 2 return trips home during.
Meals
Some camera gear I felt I needed to do my job there, but will continue to use in my business.

Also curious about travel expenses and tickets to inauguration. (for next year I supposed) While not required to attend, it was business related, and I met with individuals while there that may lead to new business opportunities.

Steve:

Assuming all of your expenses are valid, you would have to claim them on Form 2106 and them deduct as an itemized deduction of Schedule A, but only the extent that they exceed 2% of your Adjusted Gross Income.

To itemize, all itemized deductions must exceed the $5,450 standard deduction, so I suspect that, when all is said and done, you will NOT be able to deduct your expenses.

This may have been one of those times when it would have been better to have been employed as an independent contractor, because then ALL of the expenses you cite, plus some daily per diem, could have been deducted from the Schedule C.