Federal Income Tax

[RandandDoug]

Was wondering about my income taxes, what might be deductible, what is not.
Is there a thread, or CPA recomendation anyone might have. I ran a search and came up with a bunch of stuff, but mostly state and domicile stuff.
For four years we did the "normal" workamping thing, not much in wages and such. But now I have landed a gig with the NPS which will put a little more money in the pocket, still seasonal, but longer term slightly and a little higher wage. Has anyone tried to deduct mileage, or have an accountant that knows how to itemize some of the expenses. Ours seems to think, and possibly is correct, that we "choose" to go north to work the summers, therefore cannot write off the motorhome, fuel, and site costs.
Not exactly how I ran my business prior to "retiring", but if that's the case then no problem. Just wondering if it is correct.
Thanks

[RandandDoug]

0

[OutdoorPhotogra]

Yes, you need a CPA but here are questions.

1. Are you an employee of NP or self-employed contract? That matters on what expenses are deductible. The person above who volunteers is in a different category on deducting mileage than an employee.

2. What is the basis for deducting expenses? relocation as stated above? business expense?

I think your current accountant is correct and second opinions won't change. Sorry.

[RoyB]

All I got to deduct was the loan Interest as the IRS 535 pub listed above calls this my second home...

Every little bit helps I reckon...

I've been doing this since 2009...

Roy Ken

[westernrvparkow]

Among the requirements to deduct some of those expenses (they would be considered moving expenses since you would be taking a new position) you would need to be a full time employee and work a minimum of 39 weeks in a 12 month period. Your site expenses would not be deductible (it would be considered the same as renting a home and you wouldn't even think that the rent and utilities at a house you rented would be deductible.). Those expenses would likely be deductible if your current employer required you to go to that position as a part of your normal job assignment and didn't reimburse you for those expenses (rare, and that would be a really shabby employer). As for considering it "self Employment" and business expenses, the IRS would likely take a dim view of any self employment claim that was a blanket statement such as "I am a self employed itinerant workamper". That wouldn't fly. I am reasonably confident your CPA is giving you the correct advice. Travel to this position is voluntary, not required by your current employer and you are not relocating for a full time position. In this case the government will likely get what they want, which is your money.

[USA_Traveler]

I did a search on IRS website (when I was working as a gate attendant as well as volunteering), there are many things that are deductible. It is time consuming, but well worth it. I figure if the IRS says it is deductible, then it is.

[fla-gypsy]

So your accountant says no and you are looking for advice on a public forum? Consult a CPA and believe what they tell you.

[Dick_B]

IRS Publication 535 may be of some help.
It gets a little tricky because there is a difference between having a business (ie. self employed) and having a hobby. Any good CPA/Tax advisor should be able to complete your tax return when required.
The most important thing is to keep meticulous records. Get a small book and for each day write down your mileage and all expenses.
I doubt that the mileage from home to your workamping site will be deductible but that's just my opinion. How to differentiate between miles to the site for leisure and for business?
My only expertise is doing income taxes for AARP each year for the past 10 at least BUT we don't usually get involved with such expenses.