Tax Write Offs

[Larks]

Ok....we write off shoes and uniforms....we write off camps and mileage....Can I write off ESPN's college hoop package on the dish? I look at it as an investment and opportunity to learn from a variety of seasoned officials. Didnt someone on this board suggest that good officials watch more then they ref?

The wife being a CPA doesnt buy it although I question her motives on this one. So, I thought I'd throw it out to you....the tax paying public for more input.

Larks

[mick]

Originally posted by Larks
Ok....we write off shoes and uniforms....we write off camps and mileage....Can I write off ESPN's college hoop package on the dish? I look at it as an investment and opportunity to learn from a variety of seasoned officials. Didnt someone on this board suggest that good officials watch more then they ref?

The wife being a CPA doesnt buy it although I question her motives on this one. So, I thought I'd throw it out to you....the tax paying public for more input.

Larks

Sure you can write it off, but will your wife sign the return?

[DownTownTonyBrown]

Exactly. It is all legit until you get audited and have to prove the validity.

I thought about the same deduction a couple of years ago but didn't follow through. Seems reasonable if the games can be considered as training - $90 => $30 less tax to pay.

How can you watch that much ball; I find there is more than I can watch on just ESPN and ESPN2?

[DownTownTonyBrown]

How about writing off your computer and cost to access the internet and this forum? Surely this is training.

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally posted by Larks
[B So, I thought I'd throw it out to you....the tax paying public for more input.
[/B]

I hear that some of your partners are writing you off as a dependant!

Larks, MIA

Sorry,Larksie. Debbil made me do it!

[w_sohl]

You can actually write off a portion of your phone bill, mortgage payment (if you have an office that you use for the purpose of officiating) and a varity of other things that you would not expect. Heck, if you have a card and you put it up at a grocery store (or any stor for that matter) each time you go to the store for groceries you can write off the mileage as long as you check the card and replace it if taken.

[CK]

Hey Larks and Tony, my sister really is a corporate auditor for the IRS, if you would like you can forward your E-mail address to her for further questions and review.(Surely they will never find you just by your E-mail.)

Sorry JR made me do it!!!!!!!

[Edited by CK on Jan 29th, 2003 at 04:27 PM]

[pizanno]

here's what my accountant includes on my expenses:

10% of mortgage, utilities, trash (my "office" in the guest room is 10% of the total square footage of the house).

Also 100% of cell phone bills, internet, computer (with depreciation), PDA, newspaper and magazine subscriptions, athletic equipment, gym memberships (need to stay in shape!).

Some other areas to consider: Dry cleaning (that's how we all keep our uniforms looking sharp, right?), haircuts, personal grooming items, and yes...cable tv!

Just make sure you net a profit after all is said and done, even if it's $10.

[Larks]

Originally posted by Jurassic Referee

I hear that some of your partners are writing you off as a dependant!

Larks, MIA

Sorry,Larksie. Debbil made me do it! [/B]

Ha Ha very funny!

(Actually it was...touche'!)

[ChuckElias]

Originally posted by pizanno
here's what my accountant includes on my expenses:

Also 100% of cell phone bills, internet, computer (with depreciation), PDA, haircuts, cable tv!

There's no way these items are deductible. I'm no accountant, but I think you're courting trouble unless you use your cell phone, computer and internet access, pda and cable tv ONLY for officiating purposes. Somebody help me out here.

Chuck

[CK]

Chuck, you are correct, as I said above my sister REALLY IS a corporate auditor for the IRS and these things would be disallowed, (not speaking on her behalf). For instance, normal use, i.e. haircut, you need one any way, so no deduction! Cell phone, very very very iffy, office space, are you a full time ref. Any way better safe then sorry!

DISCLAIMER ON THE ABOVE POST: I know not of which I speak!

[Dan_ref]

Originally posted by pizanno
here's what my accountant includes on my expenses:

10% of mortgage, utilities, trash (my "office" in the guest room is 10% of the total square footage of the house).

Also 100% of cell phone bills, internet, computer (with depreciation), PDA, newspaper and magazine subscriptions, athletic equipment, gym memberships (need to stay in shape!).

Some other areas to consider: Dry cleaning (that's how we all keep our uniforms looking sharp, right?), haircuts, personal grooming items, and yes...cable tv!

Just make sure you net a profit after all is said and done, even if it's $10.

Oh man, you have one aggressive accountant. Life's too short, paying taxes is a consequence of making money.

[Mark Dexter]

Originally posted by Larks

The wife being a CPA doesnt buy it although I question her motives on this one.

Something tells me she's killing two birds with one stone - making sure her taxes are done correctly while also trying to get you to not have the ESPN satelite package.