Tax Write Offs

[skychicken]

Hey, I was just doing my taxes and trying to make itemized deductions worth doing and was just wondering what everybody uses for write offs in case I forgot something.

 

[blackbox]

write off your cable bill, tell them you watch the weather channel so that you know what you will be flying in

 

[Carl_Spackler]

Mortage interest
Property tax
Sales Tax
Per-diem
Aviation publications
Job search costs
business/networking meals (not at work)
Education
Hair cuts
donations

 

[atrdriver]

Just for information, a tax court ruled a few years back that an airline pilot can't deduct haircuts, because the average person gets their haircut anyway. Not saying I agree with it, but it's something that I don't deduct anymore.

Some more ideas though:
all uniforms
cleaning of uniforms
shoes or repair
union dues
crew bags
headsets or repair

 

[NCFlyer]

write off your cable bill, tell them you watch the weather channel so that you know what you will be flying in

That's right, deduct the cable bill, then you can also write off the $10,000 plasma screen TV to watch The Weather Channel.

And don't forget to deduct the high speed internet that you use 1 hour each month to bid.

 

[StaySeated]

FWIW, you only get 70% of the difference between what you were paid in perdiem and what the dot says you should be paid in various cities. Also, do a search about computers and the irs. You will find a recent case that rules out the option of deducting the cost/depreciation of a computer and your monthly internet charge.

 

[skychicken]

Is it possible to write off your crashpad???

 

[FedEx1]

You only get to have these deductions if you file a Schedule C (or itemized deductions.) And you only file the Schedule C if your deductions are more than the standard (single or married) deduction. So, if you're a single poor guy with no mortgage, you probably won't have more then the single deduction in expenses anyway. So you won't get to deduct this stuff.

If you moved for a job or new domicle, you can take those expenses as a deduction off the top (from your gross wages- and not itemized.) Oh- union dues are also deductible.

Might be worth H&R Block to get it figured out this year, then do it yourself after that.

 

[GogglesPisano]

Is it possible to write off your crashpad???

No. Nor can you write off commuting expenses.

I use these guys ... http://www.pilot-tax.com

If you're cheap, use them once and keep their organizer for future reference.

"Cockpit supplies" can mean anything: batteries, flashlights ...

 

[atpcliff]

Hi!

U could write off your computer, etc. but only to the extent that you use it for your flying-job search, etc. So, if you use your computer 80% personal/20% flying-U can depreciate/deduct 20% of the cost.

The Schedule C is if you have a business-nothing to do with Schedule A deductions. For example, if you take photos while flying and sell them to whomever, you can put all the costs/income related to your flying photography on your Schedule C. THe rule is, it has to be a legitimate business and you have to be "trying" to make a profit. If it's a hobby-no dice.

You don't have to actually make a profit, just be trying. I used to do
a Volleyball business on my own. I did it about 7 years. I made a profit 2 years, and lost for 5. Overall, I save a LOT in taxes.

Realize that if U do this, you have to show any income/profits on your Schedule C and you might owe MORE in the years U made a profit.

Woodworking, gun cleaning/MX, writing, coaching clinics, PR-there are tons of jobs you can do on the side and use a Schedule C.

Cliff
YIP

PS-Flashlights, sunglasses, calculator, etc., all travel expenses not covered by your company-commuting expenses when you're sent TDY by your airline (training, TDY to another base, etc.)

 

[QXpeon]

pu$$y on the overnight in reno baby!

 

[19pilot]

Gym Membership if you have one!

 

[flyn96]

I think the latest ALPA mag had a list of stuff

 

[Shrek]

I use http://www.crewtaxes.com/ . They are cheaper than pilot tax and all of the forms are paperless on their website. But both are good sources for tax help.

Here are some items you might want to use come tax time.
Per Diem Difference
Hotel Van-Driver Tips (Computed from # of days worked)
Hotel Maid Tips
Dry-cleaning (If not reimbursed by company)
Uniforms and accessories (tie, scarf, epaulets, etc.)
Uniform Alterations
Other Clothes for work and/or training
Shoes/Boots
Shoe Repairs/Shines
Gloves/mittens
Hose/Socks Undergarments
Toiletries
Nails (if polish or clearcoat is required by employer)
Flight Luggage
Luggage Tags
Flight Luggage Repair
Wings
Company ID Replacement
Cockpit / Jet-Way Keys
Corkscrew
Logbook/Calendar/Organizer
Flashlight
Batteries
Door Alarm
Travel Clock
Travel Curling Iron
Travel Hair Dryer
Travel Iron
Travel Smoke Detector
International Voltage Converter
Manual Fees (replacement)
Updates & Revision Services
Bidding Services
Travel Passes Employee ONLY
Professional Aviation Publications
Faxing or Copying
Recurrent Training Expenses
New Aircraft Training
New Cabin Service Training
Other Training
Travel Expenses to Union or Company Meetings
Foreign Lang Courses or Seminars
Unreimbursed flight tickets
Union Dues
Union Initiation Dues
Other Aviation Organization Dues
Pager Purchase
Pager Service
Cell Phone Purchase
Cell Phone Service and/or Calling Card Fees
Internet Service Provider
Computer Supplies
Watch
Passport (New or Expired)
Passport Photos
Foreign Visas
Business Cards & Supplies
Loss of License / Medical Insurance
FAA Medical Expense
Cockpit Supplies (maps, charts, etc.)
Ear Piece / Headset
Hearing protection
Sunglasses
2nd phone line for scheduling
Answering Service / Machine
ATM Fees on Layovers
Drug Testing Expenses
Airport Parking Fees
Emergency Cab Fares (Reserve only)
Layover transportation Expenses (taxi, rental car, subway, bus, etc)
Mailing expenses

 

[dash8driver]

condoms..but only if they are used to have sex with an FA on an overnite.




.

 

[Qwertyuiop]

I use http://www.crewtaxes.com/ . They are cheaper than pilot tax and all of the forms are paperless on their website. But both are good sources for tax help.

Here are some items you might want to use come tax time.

Other Clothes for work and/or training
Shoes/Boots
Shoe Repairs/Shines
Gloves/mittens
Hose/Socks Undergarments
Toiletries
Nails (if polish or clearcoat is required by employer)
Corkscrew
Calendar/Organizer
Flashlight
Batteries
Door Alarm
Travel Clock
Travel Curling Iron
Travel Hair Dryer
Travel Iron
Travel Smoke Detector
International Voltage Converter
Foreign Lang Courses or Seminars
Pager Purchase
Pager Service
Cell Phone Purchase
Cell Phone Service and/or Calling Card Fees
Internet Service Provider
Computer Supplies
Watch
Sunglasses
2nd phone line for scheduling
Answering Service / Machine
ATM Fees on Layovers
Airport Parking Fees

I doubt that many of the above deductions would hold up under an IRS audit.

Be careful when trying to deduct shoes, gloves, mittens, socks, undergarments, etc. According to IRS Publication 529, Miscellaneous Deductions, under Work Clothes and Uniforms: "You can deduct the cost and upkeep of work clothes and uniforms if the following two requirements are met: 1. You must wear them as a condition of your employment 2. The clothes are not suitable for everyday wear. ... Nor is it enough that you do not, in fact, wear your work clothes away from work. The clothing must not be suitable for taking the place of your regular clothing".

You would have a tough time arguing in an IRS audit that your underwear cannot be worn away from work.

Also in Publication 529, under Non Deductible Expenses: "You cannot deduct the cost of a wristwatch even if there is a job requirement to know the correct time to properly perform your duties".

Education expenses (such as foreign language courses and seminars) cannot be deducted unless they "maintain or improve skills required in your present work" or "is required by your employer or the law to keep your salary, status, or job, and the requirement serves a business purpose of your employer".

Parking fees, tolls, transportation, etc. are not deductible if they involve commuting to/from work.

In general, business expenses are only allowed if required by the employer and are considered ordinary and necessary. So if you employer requires you to buy a cellphone, pager, computer, etc. as a condition of your employment, then you may deduct the depreciation on that item; otherwise, you can't. Just because you choose to learn a foreign language, buy a second phone line, or use an answering service, doesn't mean that (in the eyes of the IRS) you can get away with deducting those items as business expenses.

Take a look at this article about a pilot who tried to deduct haircut expenses and got audited: http://www.forbes.com/2001/03/06/0306finance.html

Just because you or your buddy or your so-called 'tax advisor' have got away with claiming these types of deductions in the past, doesn't mean they will hold up under an IRS audit.

 

[Prop2Jet]

what about a divorce caused by an aviation career? hahahah

 

[Jimbodawg]

Serious question for a new regional guy...

Serious question for a new regional guy...

So I work for PSA. Based and live in CLT. My pay comes from Ohio. Do I write that I earn income in another state (Ohio)? Do I pay an Ohio state tax aswell?


Thanks

 

[Chest Rockwell]

If you are a NC resident for the entire year, then you pay only that state's income tax.

 

[mckpickle]

WOOOOOOOOOW.....just finished mine......arhhhhhhhhhhh

Anyway, I work on 2 union committees so my accountant has me take deductions that other may not. Like Cell Phone (1300$) Computer and accessories. Ink Cartridges.

Some things I KNOW everyone can take, tips for the drivers....(not to pick you up or get your bags but because he was there on time) Tips to the hotel maids. I think I figured almost 600 bucks for tips.

Sunglasses, batteries, Hotels & food while traveling for union meetings.
Auto and other taxes. (in NH I paid almost 500$ to register my car!)

Anyway, the guys name is Carl and he has a buisness called AirTax. I've used him for years. When I ask if I'm deducting too much he says, "your problems become my problems" since he represents you in the event of an audit! Annway, hope that helps a bit.