Skyler02

Does anyone have a recommendation for a pilot tax program or website they use? What is the cost? Thanks for the info.

Ging

Speaking to that... If someone uses their flight benefits and they're your "travel partner " do you pay taxes on that?

Name User

Download the "Standard client organizer"

http://***************/start-the-pro...ownload-forms/

Has pretty much everything you can deduct in it as examples.

You basically add it all up and throw it into the un-reimbursed expense section when it comes to that part of your tax form. It's pretty easy. All the paid preparers do is take all the info you give them and put it in the program, you do 95% of the work adding it all up might as well do the other 5% and save the $200 they charge these days.

Make sure when you enter the per diem you check the transportation worker box as that will give you the 80% deduction vs. the standard 50%. Also make sure you input the companies per diem payout as well as a reimbursed expense.

I have used TurboTax and H&R Block they both do the same thing, I find I like TurboTax more. I use the download to computer version vs. the online only. Now, if you have some complicated tax situations then you need to search out a CPA but if you are like most who just do the normal stuff with maybe a home mortgage too you're fine.

If you can't meet more than the standard deduction just take it and throw everything else out. To be honest unless you pay a decent chunk in home mortgage interest it's tough to hit that.

Edit. I can't link to a website? Holy hell what has this place become? OP go to *************** and under "Start the process" at the bottom click on the download forms link.

Edit 2: Jesus H Christ. pil0t-tax.c0m but replace the zeros with o's. My God.

BobJenkins

TurboTax is what I have been using for years. As mentioned above, unless you have some really big deductions, perhaps a mortgage or two, you will most likely be better off taking the standard deduction.

BobJenkins

Another question as pertains to 121 taxes... Are there any circumstances where one finds they can claim driving mileage deductions?

BlueMoon

You used you're own car for business purposes and were not reimbursed.

Example, you were assigned to go talk at a school to recruit pilots. You drove your own vehicle and weren't given any reimbursement.

According to the court cases listed here commuting expenses are not tax deductible.
Flight Crew Deductions - Tax Court Rulings - Watson CPA Group

I used this per diem calculator the past couple years.

Free Per Diem Calculator - Pilot Per Diem - Flight Attendant Per Diem - Airline Per Diem

I'm not a tax professional, so seek professional advice. That's my disclaimer.

Also, I use freetaxusa for taxes

HuskerAv8tor

Try ezperdiem.

navigatro

1. get tax advice from a CPA, not a pilot.

2. the answer to your question is generally no (for driving/commuting to work). There are some exceptions:

a. driving directly from 1 job to a second job (different employer) on the same day

b. driving for a volunteer job at a charitable organization

c. driving to a military reserve/guard job (different rules if >100 miles)

d. you have a legitimate business and the car is used for that, and not reimbursed by someone.

https://www.irs.gov/publications/p463/ch04.html

freezingflyboy

I'll second ezperdiem. Been using them for years. Works great.

Full disclosure: I know the guy personally that owns and runs it. Real smart when it comes to taxes for transportation workers. I think he even has a service for truckers and railroad employees.

BobJenkins

I was thinking more of a reimbursable thing like driving from HQ to an outlying base. I don't really see where that would apply in the 121 world like it might in the 135 world. Just thought I'd ask.

FWIW, commuting from home to HQ is not a deduction. But commuting from HQ to another base to fly from there is.