Tax deductions for flight training?
05-18-2016, 03:20 PM
#1
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Joined APC: Feb 2016
Posts: 377
Tax deductions for flight training?
Can I deduct expenses off income tax for flight training for anything following my PPL? 
05-18-2016, 04:28 PM
#2
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Joined APC: Dec 2014
Posts: 216
Definitely maybe. Talk to your cpa.
05-18-2016, 05:37 PM
#3
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Joined APC: Aug 2013
Position: FO
Posts: 627
Probably, but not necessarily. Google it. Generally, you cannot deduct training to obtain employment in a new field of work (I.e. Professional flying). If you were a business owner and obtained a license so you could fly yourself around, that could possibly qualify. If you were a business employee and your employer expressly required you to obtain a commercial license in order to perform work for the company, that would be a mildly gray area.
Normally, you can only deduct those flight training expenses that you incur to maintain your skills (recurrent for a contractor, etc), improve your skills (ATP rating, CFII add-on, etc), or business related expenses (replacement headset, medical exam, etc).
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Normally, you can only deduct those flight training expenses that you incur to maintain your skills (recurrent for a contractor, etc), improve your skills (ATP rating, CFII add-on, etc), or business related expenses (replacement headset, medical exam, etc).
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05-19-2016, 09:14 AM
#4
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Joined APC: Apr 2007
Posts: 82
IRS Publication 970
https://www.irs.gov/publications/p97...link1000178645
Straight from the source (there's more at the link):
You can deduct the costs of qualifying work-related education as business expenses. This is education that meets at least one of the following two tests.
However, even if the education meets one or both of the above tests, it isn't qualifying work-related education if it:
You can deduct the costs of qualifying work-related education as a business expense even if the education could lead to a degree.
Straight from the source (there's more at the link):
You can deduct the costs of qualifying work-related education as business expenses. This is education that meets at least one of the following two tests.
- The education is required by your employer or the law to keep your present salary, status, or job. The required education must serve a bona fide business purpose of your employer.
- The education maintains or improves skills needed in your present work.
However, even if the education meets one or both of the above tests, it isn't qualifying work-related education if it:
- Is needed to meet the minimum educational requirements of your present trade or business, or
- Is part of a program of study that will qualify you for a new trade or business.
You can deduct the costs of qualifying work-related education as a business expense even if the education could lead to a degree.
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