Taxes!

[trevor1189]

I have a question on taxes. I just got a new job and would like to be able to deduct my EMS expenses (equipment, gas, etc.) I understand that some purchases can be written off as job related expenses. I am a volunteer with my local fire dept and will be working a regular job this year. Do you guys write off your expenses and what is the appropriate way to do this. I am in PA if this helps.

I do keep my receipts for EMS expenses in a folder. I should be able to write off class fees, books, stethoscope, etc. once tax time comes for 09 taxes Correct?

 

[akflightmedic]

You can deduct all those expenses, however if your deductions are not greater than the standard deduction, then there is no point.

If you are single, a student and a non home owner...which I am going to assume about you, there is no way your EMS deductions will be more than the standard allowable.

Having said that, please consult a tax adviser and by that I do not mean the hourly wage workers that pop up in your local grocery store during tax time who receive a crash course in data entry prior to starting and know nothing about tax laws other than what the computer prompts.

 

[Aidey]

Another note is that anything your employer pays for, even if you buy a different version, isn't tax deductible. For example, my workplace provides us with pants, but they are just plain slacks, so I bought my own EMS pants. I can't deduct those since my employer does provide them, even though I don't like them.

Because of this, things like flashlights or stethoscopes often aren't technically deductible because most agencies have them.

 

[reaper]

Aidey, You can deduct anything you buy for work! Does not matter if it is a duplicate of what your work provides. Now you cannot deduct something that they bought for you or paid you for!

 

[trevor1189]

You can deduct all those expenses, however if your deductions are not greater than the standard deduction, then there is no point.

If you are single, a student and a non home owner...which I am going to assume about you, there is no way your EMS deductions will be more than the standard allowable.

Having said that, please consult a tax adviser and by that I do not mean the hourly wage workers that pop up in your local grocery store during tax time who receive a crash course in data entry prior to starting and know nothing about tax laws other than what the computer prompts.

Correct, student, non home owner, dependent on parents taxes. But isn't the standard deductible only around 5K/year?

Aidey, You can deduct anything you buy for work! Does not matter if it is a duplicate of what your work provides. Now you cannot deduct something that they bought for you or paid you for!

That is what I have heard too. I just didn't know how you deduct them, just job related expenses?

 

[akflightmedic]

If your parents still claim you and you affirming my assumptions, then you most likely have very little income as well (I mean cause you are a student and all).

Therefore, you most likely use a 1040EZ which does not allow for any deductions as it is a simple form for people in your situation.

To claim deductions, you would use a 1040 and I highly doubt you would have expenses totaling more than $5,450 (current standard) on items strictly related to your job. If you do, this will throw many red flags, especially if these are your ONLY deductions.

I am a self proclaimed deduction king as I do a lot of international work as well which further complicates my taxes, however I think you are barking up the wrong tree at the moment with your current situation.

Again, the best advice I can give you is consult a tax preparation specialist (think CPA), prior to making any claims based on things you have heard from here and there.

The simple non certified,non professional advice is this:

Take your AGI (adjusted gross income) and figure out 2%. The add up all the deductions you think you can take.

If your deductions are smaller than your 2% AGI, then you should NOT itemize (claim these deductions).

If your deduction amount is higher than 2% of your AGI, then by all means go for it and good luck.

 

[akflightmedic]

A lot more of your questions can be answered by going to the IRS website. It is very user friendly, plus you can call them as I have done many times to get questions answered.

Yes, you can deduct anything you use for work. You may deduct a portion of your cellphone bill IF it is required to have one for work.

You can deduct subscriptions to trade journals, EMS conferences, classes to enhance or better your position (not classes to change job title or initial job placement), daily per diem for food while on shift, laundry expenses, extra bedding for station sleeping, job search costs, relocation expenses for a job, it goes on and on.

 

[trevor1189]

If your parents still claim you and you affirming my assumptions, then you most likely have very little income as well (I mean cause you are a student and all).

Therefore, you most likely use a 1040EZ which does not allow for any deductions as it is a simple form for people in your situation.

To claim deductions, you would use a 1040 and I highly doubt you would have expenses totaling more than $5,450 (current standard) on items strictly related to your job. If you do, this will throw many red flags, especially if these are your ONLY deductions.

I am a self proclaimed deduction king as I do a lot of international work as well which further complicates my taxes, however I think you are barking up the wrong tree at the moment with your current situation.

Again, the best advice I can give you is consult a tax preparation specialist (think CPA), prior to making any claims based on things you have heard from here and there.

The simple non certified,non professional advice is this:

Take your AGI (adjusted gross income) and figure out 2%. The add up all the deductions you think you can take.

If your deductions are smaller than your 2% AGI, then you should NOT itemize (claim these deductions).

If your deduction amount is higher than 2% of your AGI, then by all means go for it and good luck.

That's what I was looking for, thanks!

 

[Mountain Res-Q]

That's what I was looking for, thanks!

Ya, thanks AK. I was recently told that everything I am spending on my new SAR dog (see profile pics) is deductable, and that is includes Vet Bills, Food, Training Gear, etc... You information is helpful, but like you said, I will have to consult a CPA next year to see if all those things, plus rescue gear, plus EMS gear comes close to meaning anything... I too use the 1040, just becaue I rent, have no wife/kids, and all my money goes to education, my rescue "toys", and playing around.

 

[Aidey]

Aidey, You can deduct anything you buy for work! Does not matter if it is a duplicate of what your work provides. Now you cannot deduct something that they bought for you or paid you for!

My CPA told me you couldn't, however, now that I think about it, that may have been a state thing and not a federal thing.

 

[imurphy]

Well. I know who I'm talking to when I have to file my first taxes over here!!

Great post AKFlightMedic!!

 

[marineman]

I think it changes yearly but this year when I filed mine, I took the standard deduction but got an additional 800ish dollars back for some form of student rebate.