Author Topic: How much proof do I need to claim the mileage write off for taxes?  (Read 2127 times)

dragonwalker

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I recently started driving for Lyft. I am technically an independent contractor driving passengers to various destinations. I will receive a 1099 for the income I earn. My understanding is that the company will provide me a summary of all miles that I have driven while a passenger is in my car. However I am told that I am entitled to use miles driven to customers or back from "work" as part of that write off calculation. If that is true what is the level of proof I must provide to document this in the rare event I am audited.

Someone told me that these records have to be written, so that means they can't be on a computer spreadsheet?

lakemom

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Re: How much proof do I need to claim the mileage write off for taxes?
« Reply #1 on: October 02, 2014, 05:03:17 AM »
Go to your local office supply store (Staples, etc.) and pick up a mileage log book.  They come in several different formats.  Then each time you leave to pick up a client record your mileage.  At the end of each year calculate it out and enter into your tax program (or give to your preparer).  We keep our log in our truck until its full but you could start a new one each year and keep the old with your tax records.

dragonwalker

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Re: How much proof do I need to claim the mileage write off for taxes?
« Reply #2 on: October 02, 2014, 09:32:18 AM »
Ok a per day basis I have many rides so what I have done is recorded the start and end mileage from when I start work and when I end so I have a total for the day. The records are on a computer so is that ok?

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!