In order to add the cost of capital improvements (an addition on the home, a new furnace or roof) to your basis, you need documentation. If you don’t have receipts for your expenditures, try getting what you need in another way. For example, contact the contractor or vendor you used for a sprinkler system, new carpeting, or any other improvement and ask for a copy of a paid receipt.
Certain employees, such as full-time life insurance salespersons, who may report income and deductions on Schedule C, rather than on Schedule A as miscellaneous itemized deductions.