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Old 07-21-2007 | 10:43 PM
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Default Tax Write-Off for Flight Training

Does anybody know about writing off your flight training on your taxes?
I've had 2 CFIs tell me it's possible. Something about a "life improvement loan". But my tax lady says you cannot because it's a career training loan, but I'm not too sure she knows exactly either.
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Old 07-21-2007 | 11:17 PM
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My understanding is that you cannot deduct primary training but you can deduct type ratings and such because you are improving your skills in a line of work you are already qualified in. Check the IRS pubs and it tell you ...i believe it is Pub 529 but not sure.
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Old 07-23-2007 | 08:50 AM
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Originally Posted by Thedude
My understanding is that you cannot deduct primary training but you can deduct type ratings and such because you are improving your skills in a line of work you are already qualified in. Check the IRS pubs and it tell you ...i believe it is Pub 529 but not sure.
Actually there is a provision for education to facilitate a career change. If you're fresh out of college it does not apply, but if you're a career changer you can probably get a significant tax CREDIT (not just a deduction but an actual credit) for flight training. Ask a tax specialist for details.


Also once you're employed as a pilot/cfi, any pilot-related expenses such as charts, tools, type ratings, professional peridiocals, AOPA membership, currency training, CFI renewal, job-search costs etc can be deducted. I think an exception is uniforms, you can't deduct them since you buy them instead of normal work attire that any worker would need.
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Old 07-24-2007 | 10:40 AM
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Great info, thanks!!
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Old 07-24-2007 | 01:09 PM
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Thanks a bunch !
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Old 07-24-2007 | 03:01 PM
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Here's a useful link I came across while researching this topic...

http://www.irs.gov/publications/p970/index.html
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Old 08-07-2007 | 02:22 PM
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Question More a Related Question Than a Reply

I am a recently retired airline guy, after an up and down career. Can anyone tell me, or refer me to someone on this: I am going to RENEW my expired CFI and work as an instructor. Will my expenses (books,aircraft rentals, etc.) be deductible? Thanks in advance.
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Old 08-07-2007 | 02:41 PM
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Yep...I think so....

Union dues... tax deductible?...probably not..lol
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Old 08-07-2007 | 02:58 PM
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union dues are tax deductible
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Old 08-14-2007 | 12:57 PM
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One of the pilots at work told me that if you buy a plane with a retractible gear like a piper arrow and set up a LLC you can write off everything. As far as writing off flight traing I don't know
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