Tax deduction for gas?

Question

If i want to take out deductions for gas i use to commute to work is that possible. I do have to save receipts and calculate how much i use to and from work. I want to start doing that so i get money back for the amount of gas i spend... please inform me.

Answer 1

You cannot deduct gas or any other expenses for commuting.
This includes gas, tolls, mileage or parking. You can deduct mileage or actual expenses for transportation to temporary work locations, transportation between job sites or to a second job (from your first job) or job to school.

When you do deduct transportation expenses, you have to be able to itemize deductions and they are subject to the 2% floor for miscellaneous deductions.

Answer 2

Mark and Sarah are both correct, but if you work at home and are self employed and what you are considering "comuting" is simply going from one of many work spots, then the mileage is deductible. In this case, your home is your principal place of business. i.e. a self employed physical therapist who office is their house can deduct the various locations they drive to each day as deductible travel (assuming they go to give therapy to patients in home or in hospitals). It gets tricky, so you may want to discuss your situation with a CPA or tax professional. If you simply work at one location, and go to that location everyday for work, then your gas/mileage is NOT deductible.

Answer 3

Sarah,
Mark's right. One thing you didn't mention though is whether or not you're an employee or own your own business. This would change things a bit (not the communting-you still can't claim that). I'm assuming from the way you've worded your question, that you're an employee and like the rest of us are just hating the price of gas right now, and in that case, Mark hit it right on the money. :-) But, update us if the case is different.

Answer 4

No, expenses for commuting to work aren't deductible.

Answer 5

Only an IRS representative can give information for your question.