Mileage Question

[wadesgirl]

What do you think about this? DH and I work together and ride together on most days. On the days that I have a show closer to work than home, we drive our own cars. On the days that I drive to work alone so that I can get to a show after work, can I write off the mileage to work? Technically if I went home with DH and drove from home, I could count the entire mileage to and from the host's house. This does happen a couple times a month and does require us to drive the 35 mile trip one way while following each other!

[Grandmarita]

It might be well for you to check with a tax accountant if it happens that often. My understanding is that we cannot count the miles to and from
a party, but could count grocery shopping miles, trips to the post office,
bank, and to deliver an order to a hostess or private individual you have taken an order from.

Does anyone have documentation from the IRS instructions you could copy and send us?

[ShanaSmith]

I always deduct the miles to and from shows. I think that has to do with if you claim part of your home as your office. You can't claim that you work primarily from your home and at your shows... I think.

[chefann]

I'd check with an accountant about the mileage to work. My initial thought is that you can deduct the round-trip from home to the host's house, although that might be stretching it, too. You might be eligible to deduct only mileage from work to the host's, and then from the host's to your home.

Rita- we can claim mileage to shows, since our place of business is our home and going to a show is like going to a non-usual work location.

[wadesgirl]

I'd check with an accountant about the mileage to work. My initial thought is that you can deduct the round-trip from home to the host's house, although that might be stretching it, too. You might be eligible to deduct only mileage from work to the host's, and then from the host's to your home.

Rita- we can claim mileage to shows, since our place of business is our home and going to a show is like going to a non-usual work location.
That's what I have been doing so far but this month I'll have 3 shows that require DH and I to drive seperate.

[chefann]

The issue is that you can't deduct mileage from your home to your usual place of work. So you would be stretching it to deduct the mileage from home to work, even if you're going to a show straight from work - unless the show is past work (compared to home). The fact that you usually car pool doesn't come into play.

[wadesgirl]

The issue is that you can't deduct mileage from your home to your usual place of work. So you would be stretching it to deduct the mileage from home to work, even if you're going to a show straight from work - unless the show is past work (compared to home). The fact that you usually car pool doesn't come into play.
I figured that much but got to thinking about it yesterday. I might call the accountant who did my taxes last year and ask him. I seem to be having more shows like this lately!