New York Vacation Write-Off 3

[XR250]

Just went to NYC for 5 days with the family. What an amazing place! I was totally impressed and humbled by the Architecture and Structural Engineering.
Part of my reason for wanting to go was to check out the structures. Is it reasonable to write off a portion of the trip? (I am a sole proprietor)
Maybe 1/2 of what it would have cost me to do the trip on my own?

Thanks

 

[BUGGAR]

Make a photo-log/write-up that you can use for marketing and you're IRS legal (no shots of the kids, however).

ps: Did you walk the Geo Washington Bridge? Sully just missed it.

 

[XR250]

Thanks Buggar.
We walked the Brooklyn Bridge but not the GW.

 

[Terratek]

Sight seeing doesn't seem like a legitimate business expense. However, the IRS didn't write the moral code. If you think you can make a case that would withstand an audit - go for it. you might just track the expense and check with your accountant when tax time comes around.

 

[IRstuff]

I'm guessing that you're asking because you do NOT have an adequate record of what you did for work; had you planned it as a working vacation, you would have had at least one day of solid work-related photos, calculations, etc. Your kids will probably testify that they saw nothing that resembled you working.

TTFN (ta ta for now)
I can do absolutely anything. I'm an expert!

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[XR250]

I wasn't considering it work - more on the lines of professional development.

 

[JedClampett]

Heck, they have cruises for doctors where they take their families, go to a couple of seminars (no breathalyzer required), claim the pdh's (or whatever they call them) and I'm sure they deduct the whole thing.
It ain't cheating if you don't get caught. And if you can explain it, you're not caught.

 

[IRstuff]

"I wasn't considering it work - more on the lines of professional development"

> Nevertheless, can you show a portfolio of photos, calculations, etc.? I'm guessing not.
> Will your children's social media show them complaining about having to visit and tour a bunch of boring buildings?

"It ain't cheating if you don't get caught"

That's just a sad commentary on current morality. It is cheating if you break the law; rationalization is the slippery slope. The reality is that you are indeed unlikely to get caught, particularly if you are not greedy; if you allocate 20% of your personal expenses, the dollar amount is likely too low to interest the IRS in chasing you. However you wish to slice it, you would be cheating the law.

TTFN (ta ta for now)
I can do absolutely anything. I'm an expert!

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[SLTA]

Honestly? "checking out structures" is not professional development. I'd say good try, but nope.

Please remember: we're not all guys!

 

[XR250]

Honestly? "checking out structures" is not professional development. I'd say good try, but nope.

Honestly, I got alot more out of that trip than I do taking online PDH courses.
Would it be different if I was an Architect?

 

[IRstuff]

pictures ?
diaries/notes ?
calculations ?


TTFN (ta ta for now)
I can do absolutely anything. I'm an expert!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKorP55Aqvg

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[XR250]

pictures ?
diaries/notes ?
calculations ?

OK, I'll post my 100 pages of calcs. that determined 432 Park ave. will not fall down - sheesh!
You seem angry.

 

[SLTA]

XR250, you seem defensive.

You asked for opinions on whether or not you could write off a vacation as a business expense. I personally feel that what you are asking to do is not ethically acceptable, so that was my response. If you don't want others' opinions, then no need to ask.

If you really want a useful answer, call your tax preparer and ask.

Please remember: we're not all guys!

 

[XR250]

SLTA,

Not defensive, just don't understand why IRstuff thinks calculations would be required for this. I just took an online PDH class that I can write off that did not require calculations, notes or pictures.
There was certainly alot to see in New York regarding means and methods as there was construction going on everywhere. Check out my post in the main group about 432 Park. Learned something new about that. Many unique buildings I saw I Wiki'ed to learn their structural systems. If you have not been there, I highly recommend it.

 

[Ron]

XR250....did the trip enhance your understanding of structures? Did it improve your appreciation for variation in structural design approaches and did it gain you information that you might apply to your practice?....if you can honestly answer positively, then the answer to your question is "yes", as a sole proprietor. You are not asking for licensing renewal continuing education credits, just whether it was something that you gained knowledge from that will help you in your profession.

 

[SlideRuleEra]

Maybe "Yes":

Trip Primarily for Business

You can deduct all of your travel expenses if your trip was entirely business related. If your trip was primarily for business and, while at your business destination, you extended your stay for a vacation, made a personal side trip, or had other personal activities, you can deduct only your business-related travel expenses. These expenses include the travel costs of getting to and from your business destination and any business-related expenses at your business destination.

Maybe "No":

Trip Primarily for Personal Reasons

If your trip was primarily for personal reasons, such as a vacation, the entire cost of the trip is a nondeductible personal expense. However, you can deduct any expenses you have while at your destination that are directly related to your business.

A trip to a resort or on a cruise ship may be a vacation even if the promoter advertises that it is primarily for business. The scheduling of incidental business activities during a trip, such as viewing videotapes or attending lectures dealing with general subjects, will not change what is really a vacation into a business trip.

http://www.SlideRuleEra.net

http://www.VacuumTubeEra.net

 

[cvg]

suggest you call the IRS help line for a clarifications. If you truly believe your trip is legit, than nothing to worry about

IRS Offers New Toll-Free Numbers to Assist Taxpayers 800-829-1040

 

[IRstuff]

I have no skin in the game. If you were so sure that you were legit, you wouldn't need to ask. My questions weren't for my benefit.

TTFN (ta ta for now)
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[MacGyverS2000]

I cringed when I read the OP, but I decided at the time to stay out of it... then I changed my mind.

If you have to work hard at defending the reasoning, or if you need to ask if something like this should count, that should tell you something. Is it valid? IMHO, no... it was a vacation that you're now trying to get dual use out of. While I understand the desire to do so, a few minutes of reflection should tell you how much of a stretch that is.

I don't have respect for what those doctors do (counting cruise time as PDH), and I certainly don't gain any for other professions attempting to do similar. I'm sure you learned a lot of tidbits looking around, but to place that on the same level as professional learning is disingenuous. To that point, I think a lot of the material people use for PDH is less than useful, but that's another matter.

"Getting caught" implies it was unethical behavior in the first place, so take those comments appropriately...

Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

 

[XR250]

Thanks for everyone's insight. As stated in my original post was "Part of my reason for wanting to go was to check out the structures". - so it was not an after-the-fact decision.

I'm glad Ron chimed in to say "did the trip enhance your understanding of structures? Did it improve your appreciation for variation in structural design approaches and did it gain you information that you might apply to your practice?....if you can honestly answer positively, then the answer to your question is "yes", as a sole proprietor. "
I can certainly answer part A as wholeheartedly "Yes". Can I apply it to my practice - not sure as I mostly do small stuff.