Itemized deduction

Won $100,000

September 26, 2011

 Today TaxMama hears from Anthony in the Tax Quips Forum with this question. “I won $100,000.00 at Bally’s casino in Atlantic City on January 15, 2011 However, by now I have gambled all my winnings away. I don’t own a house or car or anything, nor do I have any money left in the bank. [...]

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Sign on Bonus

September 22, 2011

Today TaxMama hears from Valoree in the Tax Quips Forum with this question. “My client received a sign-on bonus of $30,000. He worked awhile for the company, but left before the contract was up. He got a loan to pay back the $30,000 – and paid about $2,400.00 in interest. Is it possible to deduct [...]

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Per Diem Wasted

July 27, 2011

Today TaxMama hears from Bob in the TaxQuips Forum, who is trying to get it right. Let me summarize.  “I live in NJ and had a temporary job in DC for 6 months in 2010 (total 196 calendar days). I used Pub 1542 [per diem rates] for DC of $258 per day ($65 M&IE and [...]

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Tax Deductions for Scuba Diving

June 24, 2011

  Article reprinted with the permission of W. Murray Bradford, CPA   QUESTION:  I sell property and casualty insurance in Florida. I also like to scuba dive. I would like your opinion on whether or not the following is deductible. I  spent five hours with a prospect. First we went on a dive, then we [...]

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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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Coaching Expenses

June 15, 2011

Today TaxMama hears from Mimi in the TaxQuips Forum who tells us. “My husband coaches my son’s Little League and travel basketball team.  Occasionally, he buys equipment for the team’s use and hosts an after-season party, complete with pizza, cake and beverage.  Some of these expenses are not reimbursed by the league.  Are these deductible?  How about [...]

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Double Reimbursement

May 25, 2011

Today TaxMama hears from Doug in the TaxQuips Forum who is arguing with his work buddies. “We are a group of field technicians that work entirely out of our home and have no local office to report to. We drive directly from our home to a customer site, and the visit usually is completed that [...]

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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.” Share this:

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