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General Instructions

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What's New

Standard mileage rate.   The 2009 rate for business use of your vehicle is 55 cents a mile.

Depreciation limits on vehicles.   For 2009, the first-year limit on depreciation, special depreciation allowance, and section 179 deduction for most vehicles remains $10,960 ($2,960 if you elect not to claim the special depreciation allowance). For trucks and vans, the first-year limit has decreased to $11,060 ($3,060 if you elect not to claim the special depreciation allowance). For more details, see page 8.

Purpose of Form

Use Form 2106 if you were an employee deducting ordinary and necessary expenses for your job. See the flowchart below to find out if you must file this form.

An ordinary expense is one that is common and accepted in your field of trade, business, or profession. A necessary expense is one that is helpful and appropriate for your business. An expense does not have to be required to be considered necessary.

Form 2106-EZ.   You can file Form 2106-EZ, Unreimbursed Employee Business Expenses, provided you were an employee deducting ordinary and necessary expenses for your job and you:

  • Use the standard mileage rate (if claiming vehicle expense), and

  • Were not reimbursed by your employer for any expense (amounts your employer included in box 1 of your Form W-2 are not considered reimbursements for this purpose).

Recordkeeping

You cannot deduct expenses for travel (including meals unless you used the standard meal allowance), entertainment, gifts, or use of a car or other listed property, unless you keep records to prove the time, place, business purpose, business relationship (for entertainment and gifts), and amounts of these expenses. Generally, you must also have receipts for all lodging expenses (regardless of the amount) and any other expense of $75 or more.

Additional Information

For more details about employee business expenses, see:

  • Pub. 463, Travel, Entertainment, Gift, and Car Expenses.

  • Pub. 529, Miscellaneous Deductions.

  • Pub. 587, Business Use of Your Home (Including Use by Daycare Providers).

  • Pub. 946, How To Depreciate Property.

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