AboutJohn Stancil, CPA Expertise I can answer questions on personal income taxes, partnerships, and some corporate income taxes. I can deal with some state tax questions. Limited gift and estate tax questions. I am also familiar with ministerial and church tax reporting issues. I teach tax and accounting at a small church-related college. Sales taxes and property taxes are state and local issues so I am not likely be be able to give you an in depth answer on those types of taxes. I have maintained a part time tax practice for over 30 years. I am a member of the AICPA, National Association of Tax Professionals, and the Institute of Management Accountants.
Visit my website at www.johnstancilcpa.com.
Also visit my blog, www.thetaxdocspot.com.
Experience I hold a doctorate in Accounting, and four professional certifications: CPA, CMA, CFM, and CIA. I passed all certification examinations on the first attempt, and received honorable mention for my scores on the CIA exam. I write a monthly tax column for the local newspaper. I have prepared taxes for over 30 years.
Education/Credentials DBA University of Memphis
MBA University of Georgia
BS in Accounting Mars Hill College
Question I recently took a job that is currently 50 miles away from my home. Upon my completion of my first month, and submission of my mileage reimbursement, I was informed that my reimbursement home (start location) should be the office not my home office. The problem is... I don't go into the office daily. My job is a traveling legal representative that goes from location to location to meet with clients to sign paperwork for the attorney. I only visit the office to turn in the signed paperwork (2-3 times a week.. maybe). Most locations are 10-30 miles from the office but 20-80 miles away from my home. Is there something in writing that states the business can choose which method works best for them? My employer doesn't mind paying me the mileage but is afraid that come tax time his accountant will say that my reimbursement will not be a valid business write-off since I'm coming from my home instead of the office. His argument is that everyone commutes to "a location".
Please help me clarify what is or is not valid.
Thanks
Answer Phyllis,
Thanks for your question.
Commuting mileage is not deductible. If you go someplace other than your office first, that part of the trip is not deductible. Likewise, your mileage from the last stop of the day to home is not deductible.
The company can reimburse you for this mileage, but it is taxable income to you.
