The cost of finding an initial job within the airline industry is not deductible. The job search expenses of finding another position within the same industry are deductible. However, the job search expenses of looking outside of the airline industry are NOT deductible – go figure!
- Example: A pilot updates his/her resume or travels to an interview, these expenses are deductible if he/she is interviewing within the airline industry.
- If a pilot has to fly to an interview for a nursing position and spend the night, these expenses are NOT deductible because they are not within the industry.
- Clothing purchased for the interviewing process is NOT deductible. Although this is an additional expense to you, it is not a recognized deduction by the IRS. Only clothing that has a company insignia or logo, such as a uniform is deductible.