No we aren't saying the same thing. Taxes in general for some reason confuse many, you are not alone.

I didn't mention the first/last day thing because when someone's knowledge is not there it's really not important to share the finer details. Building blocks like when learning to fly .

The fact that the new code results in lower taxes for you is a good thing. It simplifies things. But your argument for compensation gains due to loss of deductions contradicts the statement that you are better off under the new, lower rates. I'm not saying we shouldn't be looking for gains, just that the reason you gave was not a good argument.

I'm not sure I understand your April 15th comment. The simple fact of the matter is per diem is hands down the best way for us to get paid due to no taxes on our part or the company having to match them (the company also pays taxes on our behalf). But there are maximum limits to it and it only applies to TAFB time.

Biggest problem with those 25+ yr vets is, they have never worked anywhere else of significance or are ex-.mil and don't have a clue on how things can and should be. They are willing to tell you that you are f'ed up when you don't agree with them but they don't have the experience to back it up.


Former freight dog.
Almost wishing I had staid freight because of APA.

Arrogance and ignorance are a dangerous combo.

You can always go back if you don’t like it here....I thought not.

Really? Many of us with 25+ years worked at legacy companies that had vastly superior contracts to what we have now. Many things conspired to change that. Too many that have been here less time don't have a clue of what we had and why we lost it.

Posts and comments like yours smack of know-it-all.

The April 15 comment was referring to lost deductions for those who (still) itemize and could previously take the partial work expense deduction for MI&E. That’s why I said “our” pockets and not “my” pockets. Just because I won’t necessarily be directly tax-affected by these specific changes now doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t want to recapture those for our group, many of whom I would suspect are somewhat affected.

When we can show an impact to our bottom line we should seek to capitalize on it; we need x to remain level versus we want y as an increase. Yes, the numbers are relatively small, and limited as you point out, but we need all the legitimate points we can get. And I agree, as you say, the PD is not taxable income for most trips and therefore a better way to be compensated.

Which is all too common here at APC.

The reason we could deduct the per diem difference off our taxes is because we weren't paid enough per diem to cover meals and incidents in those cities. The standard across the US is $64/night IIRC and a lot of the cities we go are more than that (ie NYC is $74).

So, why not just get the federal m&ie rate or a per diem rate that approaches it ($2.65 or so)? Seems reasonable and "wins back" the deduction.

On a side note many pilots deducted van tips and dry cleaning however technically that wasn't allowed as it was included under m&ie. But, splitting hairs now.

I see the usuAAls have come and proved my point for me.