2009 Comes to a Close

just another ref

BillyMac wrote
Don't forget to claim your laundry as a deduction. I don't have my uniform dry-cleaned, I launder it at home, so my accountant allows me to claim $5.00 per week for laundry.

Your accountant would probably "allow you" not to report game fees.

It costs you $5 a week to wash your uniform?

Any deduction is legal...........until you get caught.

BillyMac

just another ref wrote
It costs you $5 a week to wash your uniform?

Three, or four, games a week. Hot water, detergent, electricity for the washer, and electricity for the elecrtic dryer. $60.00 for the whole season. How much would you deduct?

just another ref

BillyMac wrote
Three, or four, games a week. Hot water, detergent, electricity for the washer, and electricity for the elecrtic dryer. $60.00 for the whole season. How much would you deduct?

I don't know. My thought was: Officiate this year, don't officiate next year.
Compare your laundry expense for the two years, and the difference will be negligible.

Where does the line draw? Do we blow our noses after the game? Can we deduct tissues?

zm1283

I made little over $8K for basketball in 2009, not counting any deductions or expenses.

fiasco

BillyMac wrote
Three, or four, games a week. Hot water, detergent, electricity for the washer, and electricity for the elecrtic dryer. $60.00 for the whole season. How much would you deduct?

The problem is that you have to be able to document this precisely if you get audited. I find it hard to believe that you can accurately document how much you are paying to have your ref clothes laundered unless you take them separately to the dry cleaners and keep your receipts.

I deduct mileage, dues and fees, and any equipment I buy. Other than that, I don't tread those dangerous waters....

StripesOhio

You guys claim your fees on taxes?

Welpe

zm1283 wrote
I made little over $8K for basketball in 2009, not counting any deductions or expenses.

Good gravy, that's some serious cash. How many games did you work?

StripesOhio wrote
You guys claim your fees on taxes?

As in, the money earned from officiating? Of course. To do otherwise is illegal and unethical. If you mean deducting association dues, etc then yes, I do deduct those things.

I deduct local association dues, NASO dues, assigner's fees, uniform and equipment purchases, clinic fees, unreimbursed mileage, and tolls. I don't bother trying to deduct a portion of my internet, cell phone, laundry or meals.

This being my first basketball season, I worked around 25 games in 2009.

grunewar

This has got to be the earliest we've ever discussed Taxes! Heck, the year isn't over yet!! 🙂 As most, I keep strict records and deduct all I feel appropriate (not tissues!)

And for what it's worth: 183 games and 2450 miles. I'm not in it for the cash! 😀

My biggest delights this year were: I learned allot, I think I'm improving, I received some excellent training and mentoring and worked with some great officials which = a better schedule. Plus I still have great passion for the avocation!

Can't wait for 2010 - first V Game is Tues, 1/5!

Be safe!

Vinski

I'm thinking of writing off my new HD TV as "training tools". You know, for watching college games and the officiating 😉

fiasco

Vinski wrote
I'm thinking of writing off my new HD TV as "training tools". You know, for watching college games and the officiating 😉

Good luck with that! 😀

StripesOhio

Well, I moved back to Ohio in November (late to the assignment party) and have only worked 5 or 6 games. I don't think the IRS will miss the small change I made.

zm1283

Welpe wrote
Good gravy, that's some serious cash. How many games did you work?

That is including game fees and mileage on the days I drive.

35 nights (Not games, but usually 2 games/night) in January/February of '09.

33 nights from September-December of '09.

68 nights total, which include a few (5-6) rec league games and home school games not in our association.

Made $6,900 in baseball from March-September as well.

fullor30

zm1283 wrote
That is including game fees and mileage on the days I drive.

35 nights (Not games, but usually 2 games/night) in January/February of '09.

33 nights from September-December of '09.

68 nights total, which include a few (5-6) rec league games and home school games not in our association.

Made $6,900 in baseball from March-September as well.

I know a guy who averages 3,000 a month officiating. All kids and lower level high school

Basketball, baseball, volleyball.

chseagle

Vinski wrote
I'm thinking of writing off my new HD TV as "training tools". You know, for watching college games and the officiating 😉

If you use the new HD TV to watch game films of games you officiating, shouldn't that be considered a business expense?

An interesting question, when filling the taxes on money earned while officiating, are you considered an independent contractor?

BillyMac

StripesOhio wrote
You guys claim your fees on taxes?

Big mistake. Now the IRS will be looking for StripesOhio, who just recently moved to northwest, Ohio.

grunewar

BillyMac wrote
Big mistake. Now the IRS will be looking for StripesOhio, who just recently moved to northwest, Ohio.

You're right behind Chemists from Connecticut in the audit line!

BillyMac

grunewar wrote
You're right behind Chemists from Connecticut in the audit line!

They can talk to my accountant. As soon as he gets out of prison.

bob jenkins

chseagle wrote
If you use the new HD TV to watch game films of games you officiating, shouldn't that be considered a business expense?

This joke was already made in this thread.

An interesting question, when filling the taxes on money earned while officiating, are you considered an independent contractor?

Usually, but not always.

Oh yeah: I haven't updated the sheet for the last week, but I've got 220 games, all but a handful at the HS varsity level or higher, baseball+basketball, 11.7k miles, $5.5k net