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Your phone number, the called phone number, the date and time of the calls, the content of your voicemail messages, the text messages sent through the service, etc. I wouldn't characterize it as "behind your back" as the sole purpose of the service is to intercept, process, and forward your call information. https://policies.google.com/technologies/voice?hl=en-US

If itemized deductions revert back to the old rules I dread the "use the number as last year" responses when asked about charitable contributions and the "I donated thousands of dollars of used clothes". Right now about 95% of my clients use the standard deduction and I may retire if I have to go back to filing out Schedule A for a majority of them.

Which phone company doesn't collect user information? When we had a landline, Southwestern Bell would send us a monthly bill showing all of the people we called long distance, when we called them and the duration of the call. I'm going to go out on a limb and guess they had all that data on local calls and didn't disclose it since they didn't bill for it. Your cell phone company knows when and where you ping off any cell tower in the country / world. We had a guy locally who was convicted because his car kept track of everywhere it was driven, speeds driven, when it was driven and sent to the manufacturer. The police used it to figure out where he buried his wife.

I have, the fix was to notify the employer the SSA issued a new SS# and to update it on the employees current (keep same wages etc.. under the new SS#) file. This prevents getting two W-2's at the end of the year.

I looked at IC during the pandemic. Not for me, but I was going to drive our daughter around a few hours a day for grins. There was absolutely no way to make money when looking at the real costs. Break even, maybe, maybe have a little something left for repair fund, but no real profit (business use insurance was an issue). To me, they are the same as all the driving services, preying on those who do not get accounting, with the exception being the commercial (black car and up) drivers who rent a car, are properly licensed and insured, and who work hard for the higher rate. Per mile is a loser.

You can refer your client to RP 2019-46. section 4.03 which list the separately stated items that can be deducted in addition to SMR, including parking fees, tolls and interest.

Was asking out of curiosity, no it does not make it deductible. No different than if company required hi octane gas and premium tires.

"Is it required? Does it cover anything that normal car insurance would not?" WAG. Required is questionable, IC likely does not care, and likely has some sort of self-protection. For the driver, it likely covers business use of the vehicle, which may be specifically excluded on their "regular" policy depending on the insurer.

Geeze, I can't even take a coffee break without getting a notification! SMR specifically covers car insurance. Tax deductions are only allowed by legislative grace, I don't know of any exception to the rule in this case. Is it required? Does it cover anything that normal car insurance would not?

@schirallicpa I would hire @Patrick Michael to walk me through it. And add his bill to your invoice to her. If the client is paying you to know it all, your bill should reflect the cost of learning it all. Tom Longview, TX

I don't think they can ever do anything about it now. It's too late. They won't be able to increase taxes enough or cut spending enough. Oh well, wait for the crash and burn.

The TCJA increased our National Debt by over $7 Trillion Dollars. I think dealing with QBI and PTET is more complicated than itemizing. I do agree that the 2106 was abused. Tax rates are going to have to go back up or our National Debt will go completely out of control!

The 2106 was heavily abused by cheaters. The main things I like about the current tax law is a high standard deduction, so people don't have to worry about itemizing, and the elimination of employee business expenses. Make your employer reimburse you or find a better employer.

If elected officials don't care about the debt, mua, that is me, as a simple tax preparer... just say... it is not my "jab".