Tax Write off?

[NUPD Cdt.]

Hey everyone, I had a question that's more for an H+R Block place but thought to ask someone here if they have tried it. Job expenses (non-reimbursed) is a tax write off, or so I am told. Now is training to excel in your job but that is not required considered an expense and could it conceivably be written off? I sure don't feel like paying a grand for EMT this summer

[m*m]

Most education that is "work" related can be used as a tax deduction. I submitted all my college tuition, books, gas to get to school, as well as all courses taken to better myself on the job. I'm no tax expert but I did just meet with my CPA and he requested that I give him above details so he could use it as a deduction. Details being a rough figures estimate. He didn't want actual receipts etc. Otherwise he would have to dig through a box of receipts for the entire year. I save the box in case the IRS shows up and wants to audit me then I just slide them the box and say dig in and find what you want. heh..heh..

Most tax preparation businesses won't require that you provide receipts and details at the time you file your taxes but you must keep in mind that if in the event the IRS audits you, you must be able to provide them with receipts or documents supporting the deductions.


m*m

[Sparky]

Yep.. all deductable.

This includes professional memberships, periodical subscriptions, books, vocational training courses, academic education, practice ammo, and even your pens and pads of paper if you supply your own.

Plain clothes officers and detectives should also note that part of wardrobe is also deductable. If something is solely for work, like a silkscreened raid jacket, then you can deduct 100%. If it's something that you'd wear for work most days, but also outside work, like a sports coat, then you can estimate and deduct a percentage. I usually round down and deduct dress clothes and stuff at 50% of what I paid. You can even deduct dry cleaning.

The best thing you, or anyone, can do is go out and buy a book on personal taxes or personal finances. I like alot of the "for dummies" books. They are actually a really good resource.

[Watchman]

HEY SPARKY !

Question for ya...

Since I went through approximately 12,500 round of various calibers of ammo, all for "practice" is it a tax writeoff ?

That would include,powder,primers,bullets,cases and wear and tear on my reloading equipment. Since its for practice too, how about it ?

Also, I got a G-3,M-1,M-39,and a Mk5 Enfield all for practice. How about them ?

I need all the help I can get.

[jarhead6073]

Returning students can also qualify for HOPE and Lifelong Learning credits. I think you have to be enrolled at least 1/2 or 3/4 time for the credit but there is also a tuition deduction and new this year you can deduct student loan interest regardless of how old the loan is.

[shooter1201]

As I have been told by H&R Block accountants, ANY item I use in the performance of my job, on the job training, training/practice ammo *I* provide, job-related magazine subscriptions, duty mags, professional dues, etc...is tax-deductable. Your meals, drycleaning of uniform, etc....even your bootlaces...is deductable....as explained by my H&R Block accountant. Heck....he even got me deductions for my Glock, my BUG and my Bushmaster M4.

I hate itemizing, though....

[NUPD Cdt.]

Sounds great guys/girls! Thanks a lot

[InSane1]

You get a better deal if you write off the mileage rather than the gas. ...

[Mike Tx]

It's been my experiance with dedectables, and the 1040 form, unless the law has changed to favor the taxpayer, (fat chance), that your deductables have to add up to a certain amount. If I recall this amount is in the thousands, and if your totals meet or exceed that you can deduct the amount that your total deductables exceed this amount by. Otherwise you can't deduct anything.

[jarhead6073]

There is a standard deducion that everyone qualifies for. It's not worth while to itemize unless you have more than the standard ammount to deduct. We have a home office, mortgage, and I'm im college so we had enough to make it worth while this time. It is a pretty high number though, something like $7,500 for married couples.

[FutureEnforcement]

O great guys thanks for the reminder I better finish my taxes up but I already know I have to pay in so I'm in no particular hurry. .

[Fastie]

Taxes.... yuck !!!! How many days do I have left? Guess I better start soon.... ... hey then I can start planning on how to spend my refund !!!! woo hoo !!!