Can I deduct car expenses?
Q: I use my car everyday at work, running errands and transporting things for our office. Can I deduct my car expenses?
A: You cannot deduct any portion of car use related to daily commuting. But if you actually use the car for company business, you can deduct your car expenses (or claim the IRS standard mileage rate) for such use. This amount is viewed as an unreimbursed employee business expense, which is claimed as a miscellaneous itemized deduction to the extent miscellaneous deductions exceed 2% of your adjusted gross income. Thus, even if your car use is potentially deductible, as a practical matter, you may not get any benefit from the write–off. You must itemize and lose out on the first 2% of such deductions. Here's a better way: If the company establishes a nonaccountable plan, it can reimburse you for business use of your car on a tax–free basis (you don't have to pick up income and don't have to bother with deductions).
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