Per Diem/Taxes question.
 

When you guys do your taxes, how do you handle the per diem side of it in terms of writeoffs? Obviously, some of the places that we fly to would allow a higher per diem rate then what the airline provides. I used Pilottax.com last year and they were great, but I'm turned off by the fact that it's all over the phone/email. I'm considering using a local CPA in town that a friend recommended. Pilottax.com is still an option too. Do any of you guys/gals use Turbo Tax and if so, is it user friendly for airline pilots with the applicable tax issues? Thanks in advance. I'm sure there are others out there that are curious. Cheers..

Mike

Prodiem.com
 

I used prodiem.com (note the spelling) last year and was very impressed - within 24 hours they had everything calculated and emailed me the entire package including instructions on how to file which were truly idiot proof. The forms had columns in different colors and they'd circle each number and have an arrow pointing to where that number goes on your tax form, etc... I hate doing taxes but they made it very simple...

They have a database of pretty much every city in the world with the max rates IRS allows. Last year it cost $50, not sure about this year but I'll definitely use them again...

Also, very easy to fill out their form, basically copy and paste your monthly paycheck straight from your airlines website – they have detailed instructions for each airline… The whole process took me less than 15 minutes and the next morning I had an email back from them with a very detailed, city-by city calculation...

I am not getting any kickbacks for endorsing them but like I said I was very impressed…