Clothing for Your Job is Not Always Deductible

Understanding the rules

Many taxpayers are required to maintain a certain personal appearance or wear special clothing for work. However, not all your purchases for work-related attire or personal grooming reap a tax deduction. If you are required to wear a uniform or other special clothing that has the name of your employer or some other logo on it, that cost is deductible as a miscellaneous employee business deduction.
Other employees, such as models, flight attendants, or other professionals who are required to maintain a highly professional, well-groomed appearance, may find that the cost of their expensive clothing and cosmetics will not save tax dollars. Even if your employer tells you that you must wear certain clothing, if it is not in the nature of a uniform, the cost is personal.

Remember, the general rule of thumb is that if the clothing is suitable for every-day wear, it's not deductible.
 

Tax Tips Small Business

Electing to Expense the Cost of Your Business Assets

Section 179 deduction limits increase

The IRS allows taxpayers the option of either depreciating some assets over a specified number of years or deducting all or a portion of the cost in one year. The expense election, commonly referred to as the Section 179 deduction, is made in the year the asset is placed in service. The benefit is a large deduction in the current year that is not reduced even if the asset is placed in service late in the tax year. Read more...

Small Business Quick Tip

If you have contributed personal assets, such as a computer or vehicle to your business, the lower of the fair market value or your cost basis of these assets qualifies as a business deduction, subject to depreciation limitations, beginning with the date of conversion.
Saturday, 19th May 2012
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Tax Tips Personal

Charitable Remainder Trusts

Reduce your estate by gifting property

There are many ways to contribute to a charitable organization. You can write a check, donate property, or give of your time. If you're planning for retirement, you might want to consider making a gift of a future interest in your property by establishing a charitable remainder unitrust or annuity trust. These trusts allow you to contribute the property and retain an income stream.

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Personal Quick Tip

In 2010, premiums that are paid or accrued for "qualified mortgage insurance" in connection with home acquisition debt on your residence are deductible as home mortgage interest.