Subject:  Tax question - personal Taxes

From:  Fred
Date:  Thu, 19 Feb 2004

Dear Michael,

Just discovered your website, it's great!

Anyway, I have a question for you: I am a "long distance commuter" (due to the economy). I have a 120 mile commute each way. I fully realize that the IRS does not let you deduct mileage to/from work, but is there an exception in this sort of situation? Is there a limit to the non-deduct amount of miles? I could understand if there wan an exclusion for the first 50 miles and then let us deduct miles over 50 (each way) would be nice.

The other situation people like me face, is that we often end up renting a room or something because of time and safety and such. Is this deductible? Having to maintain two residences to be able to have a job is a real financial burden. Is renting this room a tax deductible expense as an option?

Thanks,
Fred

Answer

Date:  Mon, 01 Mar 2004

Hello Fred,

Neither of these expenses is deductible. Your tax home is determined by your workplace. There is an exception for temporary work assignments, but it doesn't appear to apply to you from your letter.

Good luck!
Mike Gray

For answers to new questions, subscribe to our newsletter, Michael Gray, CPA's Tax & Business Insight by filling out the form below.

IRS Circular 230 Disclosure: As required by U.S. Treasury Regulations, you are hereby advised that any written tax advice contained on this website was not written or intended to be used (and cannot be used) by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.