As you may know, recent tax-reform rules have left travel expense deductions pretty much intact. This means your travel meals are still tax deductible (subject to the 50-percent cut), and there have been no changes to the rules that govern your other travel expense deductions. What also hasn’t changed is the IRS's requirement that you back up all your travel expenses with … [Read more...]
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How to Survive an Entertainment-Deduction Audit
It’s a fact… You don’t need a receipt for an entertainment expense that’s under $75. But don’t think the IRS is asleep at the switch. They know that a lot of folks deduct many under-$75 meals, etc., that aren’t legit. What’s more, they can smell fishy entertainment deductions a mile away and, in an audit, make your life miserable if you’re not careful. Want to learn … [Read more...]
Important tax facts if you gamble
If you’re a professional gambler, Uncle Sam will cut you some slack. But if you’re just a casual gambler, you better not bet on the IRS to make things easy for you. In fact, if you play your cards the wrong way, you could wind up an odds-on loser. My advice? Before you head over to your favorite casino, take a moment and read my new article titled Tax Tips: Q&A: Find … [Read more...]
The gambler’s guide to beating the IRS
What do you like to bet on? Poker? Craps? Roulette? Whatever your game, Uncle Sam is waiting to take his cut when you win big. That’s right. Your gambling income is taxable and reportable, and by law, casinos must report substantial winnings to the IRS. Odds are you want to protect your winnings, which is why my advice is a sure thing. Don’t wait. Read my new article … [Read more...]
Watch out if you keep bad tax records!
This is the story of Nathan E. Lang. And it doesn’t have a happy ending. When it came time to file his taxes, Mr. Lang claimed $16,327 as employee expenses and $17,875 in proprietor expenses on Schedule C. The IRS audited him and didn’t allow him to deduct a single penny. In all, Mr. Lang lost a total of $33,226 in tax deductions and after taking his case to court and … [Read more...]