[JenFaye82]

Hello,

I've been working as an intern for the past 9 months and I'm just wondering if I can get something on my taxes at the end of the year for it. I rode Public Transportation everyday to get to the job but they didn't pay me for it; I paid for it from my own pocket. Can someone please tell me if there's a form I fill out on my taxes so I can get some money for working for free?

Thank you,

Jennifer

[smoothy]

Not as far as I know. Certain expenses can be deducted against INCOME earned, and routine travel from home to an office typically isn't an allowible expense, I've been working over 30 years have a CPA deal with my taxes and I can't claim travel to my office.

Working as an intern for free is a choice you made for experience or a future foothold in the job market. You can't expect the taxpayers to pay you for it if your employer won't.

[ebaines]

As smoothy noted, commuting costs to your regular place of employment are not deductible. But if you had any non-reimbursed expenses on behalf of your employer, such as travel costs (not commuting, but travel to another city on business) or if you purchased any equipment that is used solely for work you may be able to deduct those expenses, Of course this is only of value to you if you have other sources of income to report that you would deduct these expenses against (investment income for example, or income from another job).

[JenFaye82]

Thank you very much for your responses. I figured it wasn't but so many people kept telling me it is. Thanks again!

[smoothy]

It never hurts to ask. Particularly with taxes.

[ebaines]

Thinking some more about this. If the organization that you are working for is a 501c(3) non-profit - such as a charity, school, church, or cultural institution - you could deduct your expenses as charitable donations. Another thought: if this internshp is part of your schooling (required for a degree that you're working towards), it may qualify as an education expense. Post back if either of these scenarios apply..