There is a fine line between taking all of the travel and expense deductions you are entitled to without triggering an IRS audit.

There is a difference between out-of-town travel expenses and local transportation expenses. You can deduct up to 50% of meals and 100% of lodging costs incurred in traveling away from home on business. While the expenses that can be deducted for local transportation on business, involve only the costs of travel, not meals and lodging. The line between business and personal travel and expenses can sometimes be blurred, be sure to take the time to review your deductions

Be careful not to overlook any crucial write-offs. Remember to keep all records needed to substantiate your claimed write offs. Here are some potential write-offs on necessary costs you incur while on an away-from-home business:

- Meals (up to 50%) and lodging, en route and at the destination

-Air, rail and bus fairs and baggage charges.

-Cost of transportation samples or display material

-Cost of maintaining and operating a vehicle

-(Reasonable) cleaning and laundry expenses.

-Telephone and fax expenses

-Cost of transportation from an airline, train or bus terminal to the hotel, from the hotel to the terminal, or between customer, or work sites

-Transportation costs between restaurants or hotels and temporary work sites

-Any other incidental travel expenses

For any questions about travel write-offs please contact our office.