Deductions

Landlord Costs

August 10, 2011

  Today TaxMama hears from Eric in the TaxQuips Forum, who is a new landlord. “During periods of vacancy (in between tenants), are mortgage and utility bills tax deductible at all? Also are the costs of replacement furnace filters and pest control items, etc. purchased and used by me (the landlord) deductible as operating expenses?”  

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Comic Relief

July 26, 2011

  Today TaxMama hears from K Syl in the TaxQuips Forum, who has a fun idea.  “I have an Internet marketing business – a blog on comic books. The blog will have links for ordering comics to generate income on the blog and Pay Per Click ads. Large portions of the site will be devoted [...]

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Netting Gambling Losses

July 14, 2011

  Today TaxMama hears from Linda in the TaxQuips Forum who wants to know. “How do I prove to the IRS that we can now net gambling losses against gambling winnings, per day, per gambling establishment, instead of deducting these losses on Sch A?

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Bride Files Alone

June 22, 2011

Today TaxMama hears from Nancy in the TaxQuips Forum with several questions.  “I am to be married this year. I am going to file as married, filing separately (MFS).  Can I claim my husband since he is disabled and collecting social security disability? Also I understand that I cannot mix the standard deduction and itemizing on [...]

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Taxes for Helping a Friend

May 9, 2011

Today TaxMama hears from Gayle in the TaxQuips Forum with a common misconception. She asks, “Do I have to become a business to write off expenses on my taxes? I make a product for a friend of mine. I buy all the materials. I do this to help their family business. They pay me for [...]

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Legal Fee Deduction

April 14, 2011

Today TaxMama hears from Julian in the TaxQuips Forum with an easy question. “I wonder if I can deduct immigration lawyer costs from my tax return? The fees were to get me the work permit for my current job in the US.”

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Legal Fees on Cancelled Debt

April 11, 2011

Today TaxMama hears from Carole in the TaxQuips Forum, with this interesting question. “Can a person deduct legal fees paid to lawyers that negotiated their debt (both personal & business credit cards as well as a mortgage on their personal home) as an itemized deduction? I’ve read that legal fees for collecting or producing taxable income [...]

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Deducting Free Services

April 6, 2011

Today TaxMama hears from Jenna in the TaxQuips Forum, who needs help. “I work as a cosmetologist.  I am considered self-employed and rent a chair in a local salon.  I give free haircuts throughout the year during my normal business hours.  Could these haircuts be tax deductible?  If so, would they be considered advertisement or [...]

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