Can I write off the cost of gas commuting to work on my taxes? (edit)?

Question

Thanks for everyone that answered. Although the answers seem to be much varied, let me explain more in detail.

I drive 120 miles to work and back a day, averaging about ~$250-300 in gas a month. Is there somewhere on the tax return form or some provision where I can write this off?

I make enough from my web design 'job' at home to actually have to report it on my taxes, although I am currently disputing whether or not I should. (My brother takes projects on the side and outsources to me... no contract or anything... very casual). Obviously, my 'job' exists at home, for which I believe I am able to write off the cost of my computer, internet, phone, etc as long as it is used 100% for business purposes (which in my home office, I can argue it is). I also have a 9-5 that I commute to. Is there some way to justify my 'job' to job commute? From the response I got, I assume this is a write-off?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Based on your new information, I would certainly say that there is no legal way for you to write off your mileage. Your 2nd job is not a W-2 type job. The provision of job-to-job is not set up for job-to-home office. If you are audited, you could try to argue it, but would probably lose. Remember, no matter what anyone on this board says, or even what a CPA says, the final decision belongs to the person in the dark suit at the audit.

In addition, you should report the income and expenses you incur for your design job. You'd be surprised at all you can write off including part of your rent and utilities in preportion to the size of your home office. There are a lot of considerations and, honestly, it is probably best to see a professional for at least the first year. You can see what they do and, if you are savvy enough, continue it from there on. I'm not saying you need to spend $500 on a CPA, but at least get someone who has done a Schedule C with a home office.

Sorry about your gas bill and hopefully this answers your question.

Answer 2

If you are working two jobs and go directly from one to the other, you can deduct the cost of gas between job #1 and #2. However, if you return to your home and then leave again to go to job #2, you will NOT be able to deduct mileage. If you are going directly to job #2, it is important that you keep an accurate account of what you are paying for each tank of gas and the mileage between the two jobs. Most people have one job and they are unable to deduct the cost of gas (government might have to pay back a couple of dollars more on income tax returns, and they aren't going to do that). As for where you put this information on your tax return, contact the IRS. They will be able to help you.

Answer 3

I have my own business too and the only miles you can deduct are miles driven for your job, not miles that you drive from home to your employment or back. For example I own a restaurant and when I drive to the store to get something for it I can write off that mileage to the store and back. I cater...if I meet with a client at their location...I write off that mileage.

Answer 4

You could get away with this if you had a second business that was not at home.

Then you could deduct the mileage from one job to another. For instance if you moved your home business to your next door neighbors house, you could deduct the mileage from your neighbors house to your 9-5 job.

Not however if the business is your home.

Answer 5

If you report to work at the same permanent location then it is not tax deductible since it is commuting back and forth to work. The thing for you to do is move closer to your job.