"Paul Thomas, CPA" <paulthomascpapc[at]bellsouth.net> wrote in message
news:cCAuj.77242$k27.32161[at]bignews2.bellsouth.net...
- quote -

In my opinion, repeated visits to the same location (same doctor, dentist,
whomever) don't need additional odometer readings as the mileage isn't going
to change unless the doctor moves. Out-of-pocket costs do need to be
recorded every time.

--
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<removeps-groups[at]yahoo.com> wrote
- quote -


Along with purpose, yes. You should jot down why you made that trip,
business charitable, medical, etc.





- quote -


I don't see that lapse as a deduction killer. The reason for that exercise
is for the IRS to see if it appears feasable that you drove the number of
miles you are claiming. If at some point you recorded begining or ending
mileage from yoru odometer, then the number of busines and non-business
miles should not exceed the total munber of miles that accumulated on the
odomoter for the year.

In oter words, it's an audit measure to see if you're telling the truth.




- quote -



Google /Mapquest, etc type maps are good supporting documents, but may often
times not run the route you traveled, and therefore not report the correct
number of miles, but if used to support a few trips, should suffice. It's
probable that those types of programs are what the IRS would turn to to
check your numbers, and if the "quickTrip" program says it's 18 miles and
you deducted 20, they'll let it pass. But if you claimed 80 miles, you've
"got some splain'in to do", as Ricky says.




--
Paul A. Thomas, CPA
Athens, Georgia

--
<< ------------------------------------------------------- > << The foregoing was not intended or written to be used, > << nor can it used, for the purpose of avoiding penalties > << that may be imposed upon the taxpayer. > << > << The Charter and the Guidelines for submitting posts > << to this newsgroup as well as our anti-spamming policy > << are at www.asktax.org. > << Copyright (2007) - All rights reserved. > << ------------------------------------------------------- >

How does one keep track of mileage? The rules say something about the
date of travel, beginning and ending mileage.

What if you forgot to write down the beginning and ending mileage?
Say your medical records show that you went to the hospital on day D1,
D2, D3, etc for some reason, like visiting a doctor, going for chemo-
therapy. Then can just just write the date, and number of miles which
you can get from yahoo maps (start location = home, end location =
hospital, multiply by 2).

What about fees you pay to park in the parking garage? Do you need
receipts if it is $3 everytime?

The questions applies to all miles -- which as far as I know are
medical, moving, charitable, business.

Thanks.

--
<< ------------------------------------------------------- > << The foregoing was not intended or written to be used, > << nor can it used, for the purpose of avoiding penalties > << that may be imposed upon the taxpayer. > << > << The Charter and the Guidelines for submitting posts > << to this newsgroup as well as our anti-spamming policy > << are at www.asktax.org. > << Copyright (2007) - All rights reserved. > << ------------------------------------------------------- >