This is one of the most galling things you realize when you start doing business taxes. If individuals were able to deduct expenses necessary to earn income like businesses do, that would include most meals, full cost of housing (not just mortgage interest), most utilities, vehicles [0], etc. And there would be no "standard deduction" to clear, either.
[0] official IRS policy is that "commuting" expenses are not deductible, but practically you declare the principal place of business as your home, and then anywhere else you go is no longer commuting.
[0] official IRS policy is that "commuting" expenses are not deductible, but practically you declare the principal place of business as your home, and then anywhere else you go is no longer commuting.