TRIM YOUR TAX BURDEN Kelsey Sheehy
DEDUCT BUSINESS-RELATED PHONE, INTERNET BILLS
WHO CAN WRITE THEM OFF
Anyone from real estate agents to jewelry makers could deduct part or all of their annual cellphone or Internet bill.
The same is true for independent contractors such as Uber drivers, TaskRabbit taskers and delivery people for Postmates, Caviar and the like.
The keys: You must use your smartphone or Internet service for business, and your employer — if you have one — must not reimburse you.
JUST HOW MUCH YOU CAN WRITE OFF
You can deduct your entire bill if you have a dedicated business cellphone or Internet connection. Mixing business and pleasure is more complicated. You can deduct only the percentage used for business. NerdWallet When looking for deductions this tax season, remember your cellphone and Internet service. But knowing the rules is key to avoiding scrutiny from the IRS.
Employees claiming unreimbursed expenses have another hurdle to clear: The sum of job expenses and certain miscellaneous deductions must exceed 2% of adjusted gross income. You can deduct only the amount above 2%.
CALCULATING YOUR PERCENTAGE
“It has to be reasonable,” says Josh Zimmelman, owner of Westwood Tax and Consulting in New York. “While all of us do business on our phones, we’re also calling mom and dad and dear old grandma and playing the latest games.”
Rob Reed of Partnership Financial in Columbus, Ohio, uses that logic when preparing his own taxes.
“I use my cellphone for business, especially on the week- ends,” he says. Reed removes the cost of the extra lines for his wife and son. Then he estimates 65% of his bill is business-related.
Unsure of your percentage? It’s better to underestimate. Fudging the numbers higher could trigger an IRS audit. Be sure to save your receipts and keep good records.
WHERE TO CLAIM DEDUCTIONS
Tax forms can be confusing, especially if your situation has changed. If you started a business, began freelancing or picked up a side gig in the past year, consider having your taxes done professionally.
Determined to go it alone? Here are forms you’ll need:
Individual: Use IRS Form 1040 and Schedule A for itemized deductions.
Self- employed or independent contractor: Use IRS Form 1040 and Schedule C or Schedule C-EZ for business income and expenses.
Tax software such as TurboTax and H&R Block make it easy. They run through various scenarios, flag common deductions and plug them into the right forms.
They also do the math for you and calculate whether you’re better off taking the standard deduction or itemizing.
“While all of us do business on our phones, we’re also calling mom and dad and dear old grandma and playing the latest games.” Josh Zimmelman, owner of Westwood Tax and Consulting