Deductions and Write-Offs
The most frequently asked tax questions related to Deductions and Write-Offs
Can I claim a deduction for the costs of transportation for my child to the day care center ?
Asked Monday, September 25, 2000 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
No. The costs of driving a dependent to or from a day-care center, or any other transportation, are not deductible and can not be used in a calculation of a child care tax credit.
Child Care Credit - payments to mother who lives with me
Asked Monday, September 25, 2000 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
No. If you claim a relative as a dependent on your tax return, you may not claim a deduction or a child care tax credit for the payments made.
Standard Meal Allowance - in place of the actual meal costs
Asked Monday, September 25, 2000 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
Yes. While away from home on business trips, if you find it difficult to maintain the actual records of meal costs, you may use a standard IRS meal allowance. The basic meal allowance in the U.S. for the current year is $52 a day. There are higher high-cost major metropolitan area rates available. You must keep a diary which includes the time, place and business purpose of the trip. Speak to your local CPA for the meal allowance in your area in your state. The rates are available online at www.gsa.gov/perdiem and in IRS Pub 1542.
Is the total amount I paid for travel by a cruise ship on a business trip deductible?
Asked Monday, September 25, 2000 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
No. Cruise ship costs are limited to twice the highest per day rate for travel in the U.S. on that date, multiplied by the number of days in transit.
Car loan Interest
Asked Monday, September 25, 2000 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
No. Interest on personal loans such as car and credit card loans are not deductible. Home mortgage loans and interest for loans for business purposes are deductible.
Home equity loan Interest
Asked Monday, September 25, 2000 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
Yes. There are specific criteria and limitations associated with home equity loans, but you can deduct these expenses on IRS Schedule A with any other mortgage interest.
Pre-payment Penalty
Asked Monday, September 25, 2000 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
Yes. The penalty you paid for pre-payment of your mortgage is deductible
as mortgage interest on IRS Schedule A.
Are travel expenses associated with my taking courses to maintain my job skills deductible?
Asked Saturday, September 23, 2000 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
Yes. If the courses qualify as deductible educational expenses to improve and maintain your job skills, then the local transportation and travel away from home are deductible. The costs of transportation from your job to school is fully deductible and from school back home is deductible only if school is considered to be on a temporary basis (school will last 1 year or less is temporary basis). The deductible educational expenses will be taken on Form 2106 or on Schedule A, as a miscellaneous deduction subject to the 2% limitation.
Is my trip to Spain deductible because I am a Spanish teacher ?
Asked Saturday, September 23, 2000 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
No deduction is allowed for costs of travel claimed as a form of education to maintain familiarity with the country's culture or language or customs.