Originally Posted by
Lucky7
Lag,
The ability of the IRS to determine if you are using your backpack for personal use is equal to Fedex's ability to find out if you returned a pair of socks and shoes at Macy's yesterday morning.
I just think it's amusing how opinions become the right and wrong for operations at Fedex and with the IRS. Backed up by the favorite "You'll get fired", "you'll ruin it for me" or "that's how it is, don't like it quit". Just bring up proper use of Jumpseats or deviation procedures and watch the right and wrongs fly.
It is you who had the absolute not I. Luggage is a legitimate business expense for an airline pilot. Are there rules to check and can you abuse it yes. But it is a legitimate business expense and a legitimate deduction. Just like the 401K deduction or home mortgage interest I quoted. If you live your life in fear of audits claim nothing and take the standard deduction. That will reduce your shot at being audited but will not eliminate it.
Here is your original post, do you stand by it?
Originally Posted by
Lucky7
In keeping with APC protocal I'll add my 2 cents in order to show my moral superiority. Even if you bought it outright I would not cheat the IRS with a write off, the flight bag isn't a required or necessary piece of equipment for your duties. Is it really worth the $50 dollar credit when the IRS audits you and seizes your house for fraud and penalties and interest. They'll find you, the voices tell me so.
I have never told anyone to quit or that they will get fired. I will quote the applicable section of the contract or post a link to an authoratative source. Especially when I am trying to be Morally Superior (your term for APC posters).