Tip the van drivers...its what we do
06-26-2017, 08:05 PM
#61
Line holder
Joined APC: Nov 2013
Position: On the bus,seat 0A
Posts: 3,345
AS A WORD OF CAUTION, TIPPING IS NO LONGER A TAX WRITEOFF. THERE WAS A COURT CASE 2 OR 3 YEARS AGO TO THAT REGARD. IT IS SEEN AS PART OF YOUR PER DIEM NOW. JUST AS A HEADS UP.
Do whatever you want and blah blah blah about "if you get caught". I'm just letting you know that my tax advisor changed that on me a few years back. She used to include it and now she said she can't.
Do whatever you want and blah blah blah about "if you get caught". I'm just letting you know that my tax advisor changed that on me a few years back. She used to include it and now she said she can't.
"PURSUANT TO INTERNAL REVENUE CODE
SECTION 7463(b),THIS OPINION MAY NOT
BE TREATED AS PRECEDENT FOR ANY
OTHER CASE."
06-26-2017, 08:07 PM
#62
Line holder
Joined APC: Nov 2013
Position: On the bus,seat 0A
Posts: 3,345
Continental FA Denied Everyday Deductions
This is killer decision for flight crew deductions- Uniform items such as nylons, shoes, scarfs, hats, etc. were denied. Yes, they were only used at work yet since these items are easily convertible to everyday use the Court said No. Van driver tips were also denied since the Court considered them incidentals and included as part of the per diem deduction. Haircuts, make-up and manicures were denied since they are personal in nature. Internet expenses were also denied, but other court opinions allow them (see below). This opinion also has a great illustration of per diem calculation and deduction.
That is from the Watson CPA website. I have seen it in several other places as well though. Like I said, do what you will but the couple bucks I might save by trying to deduct $200-$300 from taxes is not worth the risk.
This is killer decision for flight crew deductions- Uniform items such as nylons, shoes, scarfs, hats, etc. were denied. Yes, they were only used at work yet since these items are easily convertible to everyday use the Court said No. Van driver tips were also denied since the Court considered them incidentals and included as part of the per diem deduction. Haircuts, make-up and manicures were denied since they are personal in nature. Internet expenses were also denied, but other court opinions allow them (see below). This opinion also has a great illustration of per diem calculation and deduction.
That is from the Watson CPA website. I have seen it in several other places as well though. Like I said, do what you will but the couple bucks I might save by trying to deduct $200-$300 from taxes is not worth the risk.
Like I said, first page of the transcript:
"PURSUANT TO INTERNAL REVENUE CODE
SECTION 7463(b),THIS OPINION MAY NOT
BE TREATED AS PRECEDENT FOR ANY
OTHER CASE."
06-27-2017, 05:23 AM
#63
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Oct 2010
Posts: 4,603
Many do, in $beer. If the van is at the curb waiting for you when you get outside or shortly after and the guy takes your bag, that's worth at least a dollar. He doesn't have to load your bags in the back and doesn't have to watch your flight to be there when you arrive.
06-27-2017, 06:20 AM
#64
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jul 2013
Posts: 10,580
If I have to wait 30 minutes for a van after calling from the plane 10 minutes before, that is unacceptable. Some hotels track the flights and send a van out to meet the flight. That behavior is rewarded. Doing the absolute minimum is not.
06-27-2017, 06:28 AM
#65
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Sep 2014
Position: Da Bus, Left
Posts: 1,564
If you had to wait 30 minutes, why did you not take a taxi as our contract permits?? I've never not been reimbursed on my next mid-month paycheck....
06-27-2017, 06:33 AM
#66
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jul 2013
Posts: 10,580
06-27-2017, 12:14 PM
#67
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Oct 2010
Posts: 4,603
If it's a car service many times the driver is notified last minute or gets stuck in traffic. Neither are his fault. 30min from block in take your own ride. If you decide to wait it out don't stuff the driver for things outside his control. Btw car service drivers usually get $10-$20 tip for an airport run. The probably hate driving us.
