| It's tax time again, and as usual, everyone is asking | | | | detailed log of such use, so that if he or she isn't |
| questions. | | | | reimbursed for it, it can be deducted on the tax return. |
| How about this one: what are the common tax | | | | How About Trade Magazines or Subscriptions |
| deductible items for Police Officers? | | | | Most definitely deductible. |
| Glad you asked. This article will focus on and | | | | Union Dues? |
| summarize the most usual tax deductible items for our | | | | Absolutely deductible. |
| men and women in blue. | | | | What About Courses to Improve Performance? |
| Are Uniforms Considered a Deductible Item? | | | | As long as these courses are not qualifying you for a |
| Most police officers have a uniform allowance that | | | | new trade or business, and simply improving upon the |
| they are given through their job, but any uniforms they | | | | basics that are already there, then these courses |
| would have to pay for out of pocket should be | | | | would be deductible. They may also be eligible for the |
| deductible. This would include boots and special safety | | | | Lifetime Learning Credit. This credit is equal to 20 |
| shoes, along with the uniform and the maintenance of | | | | percent of the officer's first $10,000 of out-of-pocket |
| it. | | | | qualified tuition and related expenses. The maximum |
| Are Cell Phones Deductible? | | | | credit allowed would, therefore, be $2,000 subject to |
| If the officer uses his or her cell phone for business, | | | | adjusted gross income thresholds. |
| then the portion that is business-related is certainly | | | | Basically, most items spent out-of-pocket in the regular |
| deductible. The officer should keep a detailed log of | | | | course of performing your job duties as a police |
| when he used the cell phone, the date, the person | | | | officer should be deductible. |
| called, etc. and should hang onto that log for at least 7 | | | | To summarize, the police officer is entitled to a variety |
| years from the date the tax return is filed, just to be | | | | of tax deductible items that he or she has paid for out |
| on the safe side. | | | | of pocket, in connection with their job. Keeping good |
| What About a Home Phone? | | | | records is essential to making sure you get credit for |
| It's the same as for a cell phone. If the officer uses his | | | | all expenses paid. |
| or her home phone for business, he needs to keep a | | | | |