Tax Deductions for pilots

[ThisistheDream]

what kind of other deductions do pilots take for taxes besides Union Dues, Tips, Uniforms. I have heard you can deduct some of yout internet expenses since you have to bid online and some of the cell phone, parking cost for monthly parking, extra per deim for overnight in LGA BOS etc.. thanks for any info

 

[73belair]

Anyone?

 

[sleepy]

In the past I have deducted my uniform, dry cleaning, and a portion of my computer, software, broadband, and cell service. Also, you can deduct the difference between the per diem you received from your airline and the US Government standard per diem rate by city (it is easier to just pay somebody to do it for you).

 

[LaxPilot]

http://www.pilot-tax.com/

 

[saabdude]

You can also deduct your tv cable (basic). You can do this because it is essential to be aware of all weather aspects of your up and coming four day flight on the weather channel. I think it would be wise not to deduct skin-a max, playboy, or any movie channels. Although, they may relieve stress, the IRS may think that your going a bit far. Besides, all it takes is your hand to slip right off and now your off on short term disability because you hit yourself in the eye.

 

[LogbookSlave]

Haircuts, corrective lenses, etc. Anything that you are required to have to do your job. Medical exams (unreimbursed). What else . . .

 

[CesnaCaptn]

I've read if you commute, you can't deduct any expense related to that, because the company doesn't make you commute. However, if you pick up an out of domicile trip you can deduct any related expense.

 

[phishhman]

I've read if you commute, you can't deduct any expense related to that, because the company doesn't make you commute. However, if you pick up an out of domicile trip you can deduct any related expense.

True, True, Grasshopper.

 

[DDpaysoff]

This may sound like a dumb question, but I have always used standard deductions in the past. This per-diem meal allowance. Do you have to justify every meal or expense on the road with a reciept? I keep all my reciepts, but I darn sure don't want to dig them up.

Can anybody shed some light on how this works?

 

[DDpaysoff]

anybody deduct cable modem and isp charges, becuase we check our schedules on line, bid, trade, wx, flight loads for commuting etc? I know you can't deduct the computer itself (IRS letter 8615024) unless it is a condition of employment, but what about online connection.

 

[Flying the Line]

Receipts are not required for items up to $75.00. So you do not need receipts for meals. Use the standard Per Diem rates found on alpa.org

 

[DDpaysoff]

Does this sound right? We can only deduct cell phone expense if we are actually charged for the call. If you have unlimited minutes or we use minutes that are part of a plan, then we can not deduct cell phone expense?

 

[cherokee]

In the past I have deducted my uniform, dry cleaning, and a portion of my computer, software, broadband, and cell service. Also, you can deduct the difference between the per diem you received from your airline and the US Government standard per diem rate by city (it is easier to just pay somebody to do it for you).

How did you do your computer. I am trying to find out how I can deduct my laptop and am trying to find the right forms and pubs. I use it on the road to check wx, file filight plans, check fuel prices, find hotels, use as a visual aid to ground training, keep track of company pilots training events, come up with company recurrent training materials. Seems like I ought to be able to deduct, but what forms and pubs address this issue?
Thanks.

 

[Mel Sharples]

This is from a Flight Attendant tax site so take it for what it's worth.


Computer & Peripheral Expenses:[font=Verdana,Arial,Times New Roman]

IMPORTANT TAX UPDATE: The IRS has made a special Letter Ruling (#8615024 & [/font]B[font=Verdana,Arial,Times New Roman]ryant, U.S. Ct. App. 3rd cir. 74 AFTR2d 94-5440) disallowing a deduction [/font][font=Verdana,Arial,Times New Roman]for home computers. The ruling states... "Despite legitimate business use, [/font][font=Verdana,Arial,Times New Roman]employees generally may not write off the cost of the computer. By law, a [/font][font=Verdana,Arial,Times New Roman]computer must be used for the convenience of the employer and required as a [/font][font=Verdana,Arial,Times New Roman]condition of employment." IRS interpretation of this rule makes it [/font][font=Verdana,Arial,Times New Roman]difficult to deduct depreciation even if the computer is used only for [/font][font=Verdana,Arial,Times New Roman]company work.

I[/font][font=Verdana,Arial,Times New Roman]n private rulings, the IRS ruled an individual may not claim [/font][font=Verdana,Arial,Times New Roman]depreciation when the purchase of a computer is optional and not absolutely [/font][font=Verdana,Arial,Times New Roman]required by their employer as a condition of employment.

A deduction has [/font][font=Verdana,Arial,Times New Roman]even been denied when an employer offers to help pay for a computer, provide [/font][font=Verdana,Arial,Times New Roman]an interest-free loan or even offers courses for using it. This is the s[/font][font=Verdana,Arial,Times New Roman]ituation for American and Delta employees where the company has [/font][font=Verdana,Arial,Times New Roman]supplemented the purchase of home computers.

[/font][font=Verdana,Arial,Times New Roman]This is obviously a set back to flight personnel - since most of us use our [/font][font=Verdana,Arial,Times New Roman]home computers for bidding, trip trades and airline communication purposes. [/font][font=Verdana,Arial,Times New Roman]It is, however difficult to qualify this computer, under the new IRS [/font][font=Verdana,Arial,Times New Roman]requirements, as being "required" by the airline and as a "condition of [/font][font=Verdana,Arial,Times New Roman]employment". What this basically means is that the airline would not hire [/font][font=Verdana,Arial,Times New Roman]you unless you own a computer and your job would be in jeopardy if you did [/font][font=Verdana,Arial,Times New Roman]not purchase one.

[/font][font=Verdana,Arial,Times New Roman]Regulations do change, and we are hoping that this specific ruling will be [/font][font=Verdana,Arial,Times New Roman]changed or overridden in future. We will keep you informed of any future [/font][font=Verdana,Arial,Times New Roman]updates.[/font]

 

[OrphicSeth]

How about exercise supplies, like my bicycle!? Gotta keep in shape, you know... (Gearheads! Imagine the possibilities!)

 

[halfmoon]

What form would you use for the per diem difs? schedules A&B?

I won't be able to itemize since I just don't have enough deductions.