Kari

I wasn't offended. I love baseball and that is something my dad would say.

KC - Thank you. I did read Pub. 463, I'm still not sure if he can take the mileage to and from his home in Georgia. He goes there to see his wife a couple times a month.

Kari

Thanks to both of you for your quick response and taking the time to help me. I am not brand new to the tax business, but my dad usually handled most of the dirty work so I'm just not clear on these travel expenses. My clients intent is to stay there less than a year, so can he deduct all his apartment rent? Is there a meal allowance? He also wanted to deduct the furniture he bought, can he? For mileage, can he deduct commuting to and from work? Can he deduct mileage going back and forth to his main home in Georgia? Cell phone?

I have a client that lives in Georgia but couldn't find any work there. He found a job in North Carolina and wants to deduct meals, lodging, and mileage even though his wife still lives in Georgia. He has been there for six months and will continue to be there unless he can find a job in Georgia again. He insists that his expenses are deductible the first year, but I disagree. Isn't the apartment in NC his "tax home"? Am I wrong? Can he deduct business travel expenses for this job? I think if anything he can only deduct moving expenses.

I'm confused about your question. Yes, you can efile 1099s, you just need to create a separate client file for them. I suggest you read the KnowledgeBase doc on the subject, first, then if you still have questions, come back and ask with a bit more specific detail, what you need to know.

Okay, I did create a separte client file. I think the IRS misunderstood what I was asking. Thank you.

Rarely does the mortgage company list all social security numbers for the loan. The fact that her name is on the mortgage (she's responsible to make the payments) then you better believe her social securty number is associated with that loan. Usually the loan company only uses the primary borrower's social security number. I have had instances were three people were listed on the loan docs, all three made the mortgage payments, but only one was listed on the 1098.

Again, if she is legally obligated, actually does make the payments, she would have a claim on the interest deduction.

Deb!

Thanks Deb, I think that clears it up.

I think I am supposed to E-file 1099's for my clients, but the IRS said they don't get filed on their own. I thought last year my dad efiled them before Jan 31 then mailed them to the recipients. Maybe the IRS misunderstood what I was asking. Any input?

The person that actually made the payments from their money takes the deduction.

Not quite clear. If the wife's SS in not on the 1098, but her name is and she is paying the loan, can she take the deduction? Last year my dad (who did her taxes) said she could not take the deduction because they were not legally separated.

The person that actually made the payments from their money takes the deduction.

Thank you for your quick response.

"I have a client that gets a 1098 with her and her husband listed on the loan. Can she claim the interest deduction if they are not legally separated and he lives in the home without her? Or can they split the deduction?"

If she is owner of the house, is liable for the loan and she paid the interest, she can. Keep in mind that there is only one social security listed on the 1098 and most likely it is not hers.

Is it the person whos social security is listed the one who takes the deduction? Her husband is retired and would not benefit from the deduction.

Kari,

I checked your profile and there is no information about you. Are you in California?

Yes, I have not registered my EFIN number with the ATX program yet. Should be this week. My dad just passed away, we worked together and I am using his program.

Thank you.

I have a client that gets a 1098 with her and her husband listed on the loan. Can she claim the interest deduction if they are not legally separated and he lives in the home without her? Or can they split the deduction?

800-638-8291

My condolences :-)

Eli

Thank you. I have that number but I can't reach a human.

Does anyone have a number for ATX? I need to register my EFIN# so I can efile. I'm using my dads ATX program, but he passed away so I don't know where to get this info. Thanks