Keeping an accurate tally is integral to tracking mileage and deducting vehicle expenses. Most other business owners put fewer miles on their vehicles than real estate agents do. Constantly making trips to and from work, home, real estate properties, listing appointments, and other destinations racks up the miles quickly! You need to keep track of a few things for your driving expense deductions to be legal according to IRS guidelines. There are many ways to accomplish this, and it can be more straightforward with the right tools and resources.
Tax Write-Offs For Realtors
One of the most significant tax deductions for realtors is the mileage allowance. The IRS requires real estate agents to maintain thorough records of business travel and vehicle-related expenses. They have two choices: the standard mileage rate or the actual cost approach. The standard mileage rate is suitable for simplicity, but the exact cost method can be a better choice for expensive vehicles or agents who are self-employed. In addition to the standard mileage rate, realtors can claim a variety of other tax write-offs. Their membership fees to NAR and other associations, as well as their continuing education courses, are tax deductible. The price of their business licenses is also deductible. Using software like MileIQ to track real estate expenses can help realtors reduce their taxes.
Actual Expense Method Vs. Standard Mileage Deduction
Choosing the proper mileage deduction for REALTOR(r)s can save you money and maximize your profit. Fortunately, there are several methods to choose from. The standard mileage rate and the actual expense method are good ways to claim mileage. Whether you choose to deduct the mileage or not, be sure to keep detailed mileage logs. These records will help you justify your claims and avoid an audit. This approach necessitates keeping a record of all vehicle costs, including gas, maintenance, tire replacement, oil changes, insurance, registration, license, and depreciation. You’ll give your accountant all these records at the end of the year so they can figure out how much of a deduction you can make for your car.
A standard mileage rate is a good option for those who buy a new vehicle and use it for business. This method allows you to claim the cost of gasoline and wear and tear, repairs, and maintenance. It can also be used to offset the cost of your lease payments. The annual standard mileage rate is determined by the IRS. It is designed to make the task of calculating your mileage deductions easier.
The actual expense method is more complex. It involves recording your mileage and calculating the percentage of your business mileage for which you use the car. This is the best method for your business if you have an expensive vehicle or drive many miles.
Automating Your Mileage Tracking
Keeping track of your mileage is crucial whether you work as a real estate agent or travel frequently for business. If you’re a REALTOR(r), you can claim a mileage deduction to reduce your tax bill.
A mileage-tracking app for realtors will help you maintain a complete record of all your business miles. You’ll be able to easily submit expense reports for reimbursements and file your taxes.
Keeping an Accurate Tally
The paths taken by real estate agents are erratic. Unlike many other business owners, they don’t just drive to the office and around town to run errands every day. Some days, they spend hours going to places they have never been and may never visit again. The IRS is interested in knowing how many miles you traveled for the business overall in a particular year. Most other business travel does count, but your commute to and from work does not. Keeping contemporaneous records, in which case your documents are created immediately after or each day you drive for business, is the best way to have accurate records for the IRS. Any business owner must keep an accurate tally when tracking mileage and deducting vehicle expenses for Realtors. This will help ensure that you are maximizing your tax savings.
There are several ways to keep an accurate tally when tracking mileage and to claim deductions on your taxes. The use of an automated mileage-tracking app is one of the best strategies. The app also allows you to submit expense reports and reimbursement requests. These will make logging your miles easier and quicker.
In addition to an automated system, you should also consider a manual tally. You will need to keep track of your mileage, fuel, and repair expenses. Additionally, you must maintain a record of your insurance and licenses.
Another nifty trick is using an appointment book to track your trips. This will allow you to determine the miles you travel for work. You can then calculate your mileage and use this information to determine which method is the best for you.