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Uniforms, membership dues, training materials, periodicals, camps, sometimes mileage.
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"It is not enough to do your best; you must know what to do, and then do your best." - W. Edwards Deming |
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Keep all of your receipts and track your mileage.
While I'm sure I don't make near the $ some of these folks do, I use a Schedule C. See a Tax Accountant if you really have questions.
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There was the person who sent ten puns to friends, with the hope that at least one of the puns would make them laugh. No pun in ten did. |
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Indie Contractors yes...if you get 1099 from the leagues/schools/associations you work. I believe the amount earned of $600 or more from one will land you a 1099 in which you must report it and if that's the case, see if your tax person will include stuff I list below...
My tax lady writes off my mileage, expenses related to uniform (shoes, shirts, pants, knee brace ). I'm guessing travel expenses could be included but I've never gone far enough that an overnight or meals were necessary for me to report. |
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Technically...
you can write off your computer if you buy a new one to use for keeping track of your books, You can write of the area of your house that is your work space. Its done by square footage. Any maintenace on your car... Deductable.
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I have heard more resumes in the last 3 months then in the first 27 years I've been on this planet. Coach.. I dont care if you coached in the ncaa.. this is a 7th grade girls traveling team. |
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Just as an example, maintenance on your car is only deductible if you are taking the "actual" cost route - for most officials, deducting mileage is a much more cost-effective way to go about your tax work. Computers have specific depreciation rules you need to know, and the home office deduction is only applicable if the room you use for your office is only your office. Be careful - keeping it simple and not getting audited will do you a lot more good than trying to squeeze blood from a turnip and getting flagged by the IRS... |
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The mileage rate for 2008 has gone up to 50.5 cents..
up from 48.5 cents last year.
If you use this, it covers all costs relating to the vehicle... I can't claim the mileage AND the tune-up. The mileage rate includes the tune-up. Wert. |
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By all means consult a professional before taking home office deductions. Specific criteria apply and a very big red flag for examiners once you mail it in.
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Calling it both ways...since 1999 Last edited by Bad Zebra; Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 11:32am. |
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I also believe, check with your tax professional, that all mileage is NOT deductible. For example, the miles you drive commuting to work is not a deductible business expense. Therefore, it MAY be successfully argued that the miles from your "real" job to the game site and home are miles driven to and from your "second" job.
An accountant (MBA in accounting, not yet a CPA) told me that one way to possibly get around that is to formally set up a business with your home address since the most miles driven (for me) occur during summer ball. By having a formal business entity I can get up in the morning...check this forum, read over each POE, check a couple of things in the case book, verify directions to the tournament site, etc. (all a legitimate part of an officials duties), then drive to the site. Technically, I started my responsibilities as a basketball official at my home office (even though I don't take that deduction) and the drive to and from the site are most certianly an unreimbursed business expense. All of that may be possible without an EIN from the IRS, but getting the EIN takes about 2 minutes and cost nothing. It all comes down to keeping your receipts and maintaining good records. If you don't try to get creative, you should not have problems. Remember to show a profit occassionally (I think it is at least once every three years) or officiating will be considered a hobby and the expenses will no longer be deductible. |
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What this thread really does point out, however, is how important it is to get all this right. The IRS is not a fun dog to poke - even if it is accidentally. |
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Whenever my wife comments that I work a lot of games, I remind her of the tax deduction every year. I'm always in the negative because of the mileage.
( , that could be a selling point to get more officials.) If you do make a profit, you also need to pay the Self Employment Tax. Mileage to/from meetings, clinics, games. Percentage of the cel phone bill and internet. Video tapes/dvds, Datebook, Ref magazine/NASO, Dues and fees, Tolls, Gear. (I have an office too.) It adds up. Have receipts. My next license plate:: SHDL C ROX |
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