As a W-2 employee in California state, work expenses can be claimed on your tax return under itemized deductions.

On the federal level, unreimbursed W-2 employee expenses are NOT deductible. However, California state does NOT conform to all federal itemized deductions. Therefore the deduction will only occur on the state level, but subject to expenses that exceed 2% of your federal AGI.

Source: FTB

Common Qualifying W-2 Expenses for California:

• Job required tools or supplies

• Uniform not suitable for everyday wear

• Professional licenses and dues

• Continuing education required to keep your job

• Home office deduction for remote work

• Mileage for work not reimbursed by employer

• Other ordinary and necessary expenses required by employer and not reimbursed