Mileage Writeoff as Listed in Cn

[lisacb77]

Did you all see the insert in Dec CN about tax time? I thought the sentence was interesting about Cooking Show mileage not being a write-off, unless your home is your primary place of business.

Um, I'm confused. If it's a HOME based business, where else would I primarily be conducting my PC work?

Another reason I'm confused is PP gives a spot to type in our show mileage. Why would they do that if it's not deductible?

Are they trying to say if this is just my part-time job I can't claim it?? Appreciate your advice.

 

[BethCooks4U]

In order to claim mileage you must claim that you have a home office. All you need is a specific spot that you keep your PC office supplies, etc. I spend more time there doing PC business than I do out at shows so it's perfectly legal!

My DH will not allow me to deduct expenses for a home office (not worth explaining...) but I DO claim that I have an office on my taxes so I can claim the mileage. I have a whole room dedicated to my PC business so I would be fine if I ever got audited and they wanted to check.

 

[lisacb77]

I don't have an entire room, but there is a decent section of the bedroom we use as an office that is definitely PC dedicated. I have a whole file cabinet and some other containers that have nothing else in them but my supplies.

I guess I can claim an office but I think I'd be with your DH and not claim the other expenses (utilities) either since it's not the only thing I use that room for.

 

[priscilla]

Did you all see the insert in Dec CN about tax time? I thought the sentence was interesting about Cooking Show mileage not being a write-off, unless your home is your primary place of business.

Um, I'm confused. If it's a HOME based business, where else would I primarily be conducting my PC work?

Another reason I'm confused is PP gives a spot to type in our show mileage. Why would they do that if it's not deductible?

Are they trying to say if this is just my part-time job I can't claim it?? Appreciate your advice.

Do a search through the site and you will find discussion about this. Ask a tax professional. If you read through the IRS publication that pertains to this, it can be interpreted that the mileage TO and FROM a Cooking show is NOT tax deductible, because you are conducting your business AT the person's home, just like you cannot deduct your mileage to and from a workplace. They are considered commuting miles. However, it can be interpreted that you can deduct the miles if you have a home office, as stated above. Check the rules on the definition of a home office. Again, you are best off talking to a tax pro who has experience in home based businesses such as PC.

Mileage for post office, office supply stores, dropping off orders, etc are most definitely tax deductible.

It is not easy to figure out all the language of the IRS to do our taxes, that is certain.

 

[jrstephens]

Do a search through the site and you will find discussion about this. Ask a tax professional. If you read through the IRS publication that pertains to this, it can be interpreted that the mileage TO and FROM a Cooking show is NOT tax deductible, because you are conducting your business AT the person's home, just like you cannot deduct your mileage to and from a workplace. They are considered commuting miles. However, it can be interpreted that you can deduct the miles if you have a home office, as stated above. Check the rules on the definition of a home office. Again, you are best off talking to a tax pro who has experience in home based businesses such as PC.

Mileage for post office, office supply stores, dropping off orders, etc are most definitely tax deductible.

It is not easy to figure out all the language of the IRS to do our taxes, that is certain.

Ok. You just confused me more! ha!

 

[priscilla]

Ok. You just confused me more! ha!

Sorry 'bout that The IRS has a publication for home-based businesses like PC, tupperware, etc. The way it is written can be intreperted different ways (see discussion about this in previous threads around tax time). The same sentence will be interpreted as saying YES you can deduct the miles to and from a Cooking Show by one person and NO you may not deduct the miles to and from a Cooking Show by another.

I say see a Profesional tax preparer, at least for the first year. They are then responsible if they mess up the IRS regulations. Or, call IRS and get the official take on the rules.

HTH,
Robin

 

[jrstephens]

Sorry 'bout that The IRS has a publication for home-based businesses like PC, tupperware, etc. The way it is written can be intreperted different ways (see discussion about this in previous threads around tax time). The same sentence will be interpreted as saying YES you can deduct the miles to and from a Cooking Show by one person and NO you may not deduct the miles to and from a Cooking Show by another.

I say see a Profesional tax preparer, at least for the first year. They are then responsible if they mess up the IRS regulations. Or, call IRS and get the official take on the rules.

HTH,
Robin

Thanks! I have read this publication and it is very confusing. Sometimes I think they do that so thay can catch you if they want!! HA!!!

 

[lisacb77]

I will read that publication. I agree with whomever said they do more biz at their house than shows though, especially since I've been doing a lot of catty shows!

And I'm sorry, when I do a show an hour or more away that is not normal "commuting" miles!