Tax Season

[jdmara]

Originally Posted by bbcof83

OK, thanks for the input guys. So I only have to claim my net income, meaning my revenue minus my expenses? What is the mileage rate given by the IRS? Also, can anyone confirm it's ok to claim camp expenses (fees, hotels, mileage, etc)?

Post #19 Tax write offs The schedule C form is what needs to be filled out. Most tax programs do a fairly good job of walking you through it however. It must be noted (unless otherwise stated) that we are not tax accountants and we can't be held labile for audits here on the forum The easiest way I found it to be done is take it to a tax professional the first year. Then every year thereafter I just use that year's as a template on how to fill out the form. MTD Sr. did a great breakdown of everything in the link from last year (Thanks Mark)

As someone stated perviously, you must include ALL game fees as income. To my knowledge (or at least here in Iowa) all school report EVERY expense. They do that because they are audited every year. So if I wanted to know how much I made from a particular school, I can go on their public records website and find out through their spreadsheet. It's not worth it to get audited.

Here are the records I keep on my palm pilot (used a paper calendar before I got my palm): Contest information (site, schools, partner), round trip mileage, amount paid (contest and mileage fees), Paid or not paid, and other expenses. I also keep camp fees, hotel fees, food for overnight stays, insurance fees, licensing fees, etc as well on my palm pilot. These can all be included (see your local tax preparer for clarification). Periodically, I go through my calendar and make a handy spreadsheet for everything. Then when tax time comes around I have it all in one place.

My $0.02.

-Josh

[jdmara]

BTW, I was wondering when this topic would surface

-Josh

[bbcof83]

Thanks Josh, that was a very helpful post.

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by jdmara

As someone stated perviously

Freudian slip?

[jdmara]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

Freudian slip?

Wow...That was...Good catch

-Josh

[EIA REF]

My tax guy suggested also deducting my cell phone as a business phone. I purchased a GPS devise last year as well for getting to games and put that in as a deduction for expenses.

Lots of officials in the area do not record any income from games for taxes. I would not be to worried about those of us that may do it incorrectly. We can always point the finger to those who don't do it at all.

I have listed my income and expenses for taxes 7 years now. It seems to work.

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by EIA REF

My tax guy suggested also deducting my cell phone as a business phone. I purchased a GPS devise last year as well for getting to games and put that in as a deduction for expenses.

Lots of officials in the area do not record any income from games for taxes. I would not be to worried about those of us that may do it incorrectly. We can always point the finger to those who don't do it at all.

I have listed my income and expenses for taxes 7 years now. It seems to work.

You can certainly do that, but the IRS will expect you to be writing a check with the other 9 fingers.

[tballump]

Isn't all this money reportable on federal taxes as part of your total income, and also on the social security schedule F (??)where you have to pay the full 15% social security and medicare part?? Also isn't this reportable on state taxes and local taxes including having to fill out quarterly income tax papers that go with this income since you are essentially an independent contractor for your services?

[Amesman]

I've had some seriously veteran officials who do mostly park district, kid travel games, etc. actually say they'll stop doing games for a certain entity for a while if they're approaching a $600 threshhold for the year (at least I think that was the figure he used).

Seemed to imply one only had to declare if he or she made more than $600 in a given year. Does this sound familiar?

[Welpe]

Originally Posted by tballump

Also isn't this reportable on state taxes and local taxes including having to fill out quarterly income tax papers that go with this income since you are essentially an independent contractor for your services?

I've asked my tax pro about those along with estimated payments and she has told me not to worry about them. Your mileage may vary.