When you know the rules related to business mileage, you

  • protect yourself in the event of an IRS audit, and
  • pay less tax.

 

Take Henry, for example. Before he knew the mileage rules, he deducted 30 percent of his SUV’s cost. Once he learned the rules, he deducted 92 percent.

 

Or look at poor Mark—he lost almost all his vehicle deductions in an IRS audit.

Be like Henry. Here’s how.

  1. Know these four business mileage rules for the situations below:
    • Trip from Home Office to Regular Office
    • Stop at the Grocery Store on the Way to the Office
    • Round Trip to Office Supply Store
    • Round Trip to Business Meeting
  2. Document your mileage
  3. Create an administrative office for your business in your home

 

Takeaways

When you know how to increase your business miles, you can add substantially to your bottom line.

Think of it this way: You are going to drive your vehicles where you want to drive them, regardless of the rules. That’s the way you operate, whether for work or in your personal life.

Now, let’s step back and look at where you drive. What rule can you apply to turn as much mileage as
possible into business mileage?

You have to take a serious look at the possibility of creating an administrative office in your home. The administrative office simplifies the rules on temporary stops, and it eliminates commuting from your home to your regular business stops.

In perspective, the administrative office can make your business mileage simple, easy, and profitable.

Finally, on most every business and personal use vehicle, you need a mileage log—period.

 

If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact me by scheduling a call, or by emailing at [email protected].

 

We specialize in helping clients clarify their taxes so they keep more of their money. Many small business owners who come to see us in Fort Worth, TX generally do not understand the tax law enough to explain it to a fifth grader.

 

Tatsiana B. Bender
Bender CPA, PLLC
Fort Worth, TX 76107
[email protected]
Phone: (817) 313-4352
Bender-CPA.com