Tax time is here and before you know it the deadline of Apr. 15th will be here. What are some of the expenses that you claim as part of officiating? Here is my list...

Uniforms
cleaning
mileage
meals
books
camps
hotels
gym membership

Absolutely anything that is a direct expense to your officiating. I do not think is is just exclusive to a list. You might want to talk to a CPA or Tax person to know what you can claim.

Peace

This one might be sketchy. All the others apear to be integral expenses related to your avocation (e.g. can't officiate without your uniform, etc.) Would you be able to officiate if you <b><i>weren't</b></i> a member of a gym? Some of the expense may be includable, but I doubt the IRS is gonna allow it in it's entirety. Of course, that's only if they pick it up anyway.

Better talk to your tax advisor regarding independent contractors.

Be careful on the mileage issue.

I can't give a good answer (I'm sure one of our tax lawyer/CPA refs can), but the issue that seems to come up year after year is that you can only deduct mileage going from one job to another - once again, double check with a tax professional.

Also, if you're paid mileage, my guess is that you can't deduct it.

I have been told by my tax pro. that as long as I am going home between jobs that I could deduct the mileage both ways.. I hope he is correct as I have been doing this for about 10 years.

Could a person deduct computer cost used for research ( on this forun or any other types of research)????

The gym membership is questionable, but:

-postage
-long distance phone calls
-cell phone calls
-prorated amount of interest on automobile loan (this is
not covered in the standard mileage deduction)
-officiating equipment (whistles, chest protector, shin
guards, face mask, I know, I know, this is basketball but
some of us also officiate other sports)
-office supplies (paper and envelopes)
-parking and toll roads (this is not included in standard
mileage deduction)
-liability and game fee replacement insurance premiums
-assn. membership dues
-registration fees
-assignors fees

In general, with any home business, yes - but only to the extent that it is used for your "business."

If you only use your computer and internet connection to access this board, officiating websites, etc. - you're fine. Otherwise, you have to figure out some sort of proportion.

As for mileage, if you are reimbursed anything below what the IRS allows, you can deduct the difference. If it's equal to or above the IRS allowance, then it's not deductible. A colleage got this advice from his advisor.

Also, in my case this past summer, my primary vehicle I use for going to my jobs broke down and I used a rental. You can prorate the rental cost and deduct that as well.

Taxes??? On What?
 

You're Dextering kidding right? You mean we're supposed to claim those measley Dextering game fees as INCOME? I figured it was equal compensation to fill the cooler and split a few bags of Pork Skins with my partners on the drive home. On long drives, it's usually a financial loss!

Heck, in that case, don't forget the Listerine and Coca-Cola in your cleaning category.

Also the Drs. bills for psych evaluations and self-esteem counseling. Plus any publication subscriptions, manuals and books purchased for the profession. My favorite book is "Ignoring Idiots: The Secret to Officiating"

LOL!!

Re: Taxes??? On What?
 

Yeah, considering what our expenses are almost all of us make dexter at referee'ing.

gym membership
 

The reason I thought about the gym membership is in all rule books that I have read, it mentions that we should be in good physical condition and there are times when you can't be at home doing physical exercise.

My CPA says:

gym membership is deductible.

So is:
equipment for the gym (shoes, sweats, shirts,etc)
computer
internet fees
cable tv fee
newspaper/mag subscriptions
dr. visit co-pays

...anything related to, or adding value to your vocation.

Taxes
 

Don't forget about your Officiating.com subscription as well as the standard mileage deduction for business or your exact mileage you put in your ledger to and from games, meetings,clinics,etc.

sphinxicu