Chowdahead Posted February 5, 2009 Report Share Posted February 5, 2009 Anyone have any experience with completing the return of a police officer? In a few days I'll be tackling one. He's single, no dependents. What are the common deductions that they can take on the Schedule A? Drycleaning? Crewcuts? Guns? Handcuffs? Mileage to detail assignments? Are there any special credits or forms specifically for police officers? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eli Posted February 5, 2009 Report Share Posted February 5, 2009 Anyone have any experience with completing the return of a police officer? In a few days I'll be tackling one. He's single, no dependents. What are the common deductions that they can take on the Schedule A? Drycleaning? Crewcuts? Guns? Handcuffs? Mileage to detail assignments? Are there any special credits or forms specifically for police officers? Ammunition, targets, shooting range fees, leather gear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lsowers Posted February 5, 2009 Report Share Posted February 5, 2009 CFS Tax Tools has an occupational deduction form for law enforcement. BTW - haircuts are not deductible - the IRS considers them personal in nature and preparers have been shut down by promoting that deduction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michaelmars Posted February 5, 2009 Report Share Posted February 5, 2009 range fees, driving to court, drycleaning is the big one and dry cleaners don't generally give receipts. i have always estimated a shirt and pants per shift [$8] and never had a problem. don't forget notepads flashlights bullits union dues etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Virtual Managed Solutions Posted February 5, 2009 Report Share Posted February 5, 2009 coffee, donuts.. sorry, I couldn't resist. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schirallicpa Posted February 5, 2009 Report Share Posted February 5, 2009 coffee and donuts, no joking aside.......wouldn't meals come in to play for shifts expanding over standard 8/9 hours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lynn EA USTCP in Louisiana Posted February 5, 2009 Report Share Posted February 5, 2009 coffee and donuts, no joking aside.......wouldn't meals come in to play for shifts expanding over standard 8/9 hours. Meals will come into play only if as a requirement of their job the police officer is required to eat meals in a public restaurant adjacent to a roadway whenever practical, report by radio when they eat, and advise the telephone number or the code number of the restaurant where they are eating. The restaurant must be open to the public and may not serve liquor. The police officer is prohibted from eating meals at home during working hours and may not bring meals from home and eat in the patrol car. The requirements must also detail the time at which the office may eat, the time allowed for the meal and the number of officers who may eat together. The above is from a Tax Court case, Christey v. United States, KTC 1988-79 (8th Cir. 1988). Lynn Jacobs, EA Kenner, LA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoyDaleOne Posted February 5, 2009 Report Share Posted February 5, 2009 Bullets... they need a lot of bullets... The meal thing is almost impossible to defend, as noted above. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joelgilb Posted February 5, 2009 Report Share Posted February 5, 2009 Well done Lynn! And how about "Anger Management Classes or Counseling"? LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taxbrewster Posted February 5, 2009 Report Share Posted February 5, 2009 I would also check Tax Notes Today article on April 29, 2008, 2008 TNT 83-8 - there are a number of deductions that were not allowed as well as Snead v Comm'r TC Summ. Op. 2008-57 were deductions is limited. Stuff to do with clothing, shooting ranges, gym costs... Make sure they do not have services at work that they choose not to use... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ed_accountant Posted February 5, 2009 Report Share Posted February 5, 2009 Also, auto travel when they you use personal vehicle for police errands and work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catherine Posted February 5, 2009 Report Share Posted February 5, 2009 coffee, donuts.. sorry, I couldn't resist. Years ago, there was a place in Dorchester, Mass, that was a combination coffee/donut shop and police equipment supply house. Talk about knowing your clientele!! Catherine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TaxmannEA Posted February 5, 2009 Report Share Posted February 5, 2009 Don't forget to ask about second chance vest, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David1980 Posted February 6, 2009 Report Share Posted February 6, 2009 Meals will come into play only if as a requirement of their job the police officer is required to eat meals in a public restaurant adjacent to a roadway whenever practical, report by radio when they eat, and advise the telephone number or the code number of the restaurant where they are eating. The restaurant must be open to the public and may not serve liquor. The police officer is prohibted from eating meals at home during working hours and may not bring meals from home and eat in the patrol car. The requirements must also detail the time at which the office may eat, the time allowed for the meal and the number of officers who may eat together. The above is from a Tax Court case, Christey v. United States, KTC 1988-79 (8th Cir. 1988). Lynn Jacobs, EA Kenner, LA And even then didn't the IRS say they weren't going to follow the ruling outside of the court's jurisdiction? So if you're within the 8th circular court's jurisdiction it applies but not elsewhere? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taxguy057 Posted February 6, 2009 Report Share Posted February 6, 2009 coffee, donuts.. sorry, I couldn't resist. @virtual LOL!!! thats a good one! I needed that laugh! :spaz: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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