Question for Nannies - Tax Returns

[Anonymous]

Do you all deduct use of your car for caring for the children? Other business expenses? TIA!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you all deduct use of your car for caring for the children? Other business expenses? TIA!

You can only deduct your use of the car if you don't already receive the maximum mileage reimbursement allowed by the IRS, and commute mileage is not deductible.

You could possibly deduct special clothes, any toys/supplies/treats you buy for the kids to leave there, cost of any classes (like CPR), and probably any meal costs for when you're on the job since you can't leave to get food.

[Anonymous]

You cannot deduct your meals whether you get a break or not. Sorry, that's just bad advice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do you all deduct use of your car for caring for the children? Other business expenses? TIA!

You can only deduct your use of the car if you don't already receive the maximum mileage reimbursement allowed by the IRS, and commute mileage is not deductible.

You could possibly deduct special clothes, any toys/supplies/treats you buy for the kids to leave there, cost of any classes (like CPR), and probably any meal costs for when you're on the job since you can't leave to get food.

Special clothes? Nope. Unless they are clothes that you can't wear outside the job, like an actual uniform. And you can't deduct meals. Gifts you give the kids are probably not deductible, anor is anything you spend that is reimbursed.

[Anonymous]

You can take a deduction if your employer did not reimburse you for mileage and it was for use of your car while you were working-- not traveling to/from work. You can deduct either the standard rate or the actual rate. If you plan on taking this deduction, keep a travel log in your car and write down *every* trip you take while you are at work, then only claim what you can substantiate.