tax deductions - HD related

[Suri Cruise]

Is it reasonable to list your cable tv bill as a tax deduction? I'm a line producer and watch an insane amount of news at home, be it cable or local to not only keep up on the news of the day, but also to learn a few things when it comes to how people put together their shows. My station also does the news in HD, so I figure the HD service charges might also apply since I want to see my work the way it's intended. And heck, for that matter would the HD Television I bought this year also count as a work-related expense on account of the HD conversion?

Maybe I'm stretching a bit. Just want to know if any of you have done this in the past.

[jama]

I doubt it, but I'm not an expert. I drive a car to work, I wear clothes to work, I get called on my phone from work, I eat food at work, etc. All of these things are related to my work but I doubt I could deduct them.

[ March 29, 2007, 08:56 AM: Message edited by: jama ]

[Clever Login Name]

Bronzing supplies and engraving are also not deductible.

http://www.defamer.com/assets/resources/2006/08/suri-poop.jpg

[Ferrycrossthemersey]

Talk to an accountant; you may be able to deduct a portion of your bill, but you will not be able to deduct all (or even, most of it).

[Been There]

I've been through an audit and know from personal experience that cable, television sets, VCRs, DVD players, TiVos, computers, clothing etc. are not deductible items unless your employer requires (as in writing and doesn't reimburse) you to purchase them. You will be raising a red flag to the folks at the IRS if you try to do this.

You can write off things like subscriptions to trade publications and websites, membership in professional organizations, union dues, agent fees, and continuing education to name a few. You can also deduct moving expenses under certain conditions.

Bottom line here is if you are in a situation to file a tax return that includes deductions, you should spring for the extra $$ and have your return(s) prepared by a professional. Our nation's tax code is very complicated and there are many variations in the various state tax codes as well. Keep in mind that any money spent to prepare your return(s) is tax deductable. Look for someone who has experience preparing returns for people in our business. Also, try to get an enrolled tax preparer. They have a better leg to stand on especially when it comes down to having your return audited. They can provide educated answers to questions you might have unlike most of the opinions you'll get here.

[ March 29, 2007, 11:28 AM: Message edited by: Been There ]

[Suri Cruise]

Thanks everyone. I figured the the items were not deductable, but my News Director said in passing a while back that they might be. Even without it, I'm looking at a surprisingly nice refund.

[DoneThatToo]

Originally posted by Suri Cruise:
Thanks everyone. I figured the the items were not deductable, but my News Director said in passing a while back that they might be. Even without it, I'm looking at a surprisingly nice refund.Not to be rude but if you are getting a 'surprisingly nice refund' you have screwed up your taxes already. Why let Uncle Sam use your money interest free when you could use it through out the year, or bank it with interest??

[Been There]

Originally posted by Suri Cruise:
I figured the the items were not deductable, but my News Director said in passing a while back that they might be. ...insert snide remark about believing anything the ND tells you here...

[TAFKA wacowx]

Originally posted by DoneThatToo:
Not to be rude but if you are getting a 'surprisingly nice refund' you have screwed up your taxes already. Why let Uncle Sam use your money interest free when you could use it through out the year, or bank it with interest??[/QUOTE]

Some people just don't have the ability to not just fritter away any additional monies that might come in a paycheck. For many Americans, this is how they save up for a big purchase or a vacation. Sure, it's sucky to let Uncle Sam collect interest on YOUR money, but for many in this country, they don't have the stamina to do it. that extra few bucks in each paycheck would have disappeared.

I try to have a zero balance myself, but in recent years I usually had to pay a few hundred which I hated...I overpaid this year and now and getting money back and I couldn't be happier, despite the $20 extra bucks I could have ammassed in interest.