Can I Deduct My Trip to Mexico?

A couple of weeks ago prior to my departing on a pleasure / business trip to Mexico I asked the question – will any of it be tax deductible?

I noted in the last few posts how to qualify for the deduction, and I did in these categories:

• Traveled more than 300 miles to my destination, so it required over night stay
• I did not travel on a cruise ship
• I did work on Mondays and Fridays
• It was beneficial for me to stay over weekends (airfare would have increased)

However, because I was exploring new business opportunities I had not scheduled any specific continue reading »

The U.S. Economy Has Affected Down South of the Border Too

The last two weeks in Mexico were fabulous, great for my mind and spirit.  However, it saddened me to see my friends south of the border really struggling.

Before telling you more, can you believe how amazing this sunset is ~ taken from the front of my apartment?

Zihuantanejo (or Zihua or “Z”) used to be a sleepy little fishing village with very little English spoken.  During the last 5 years most of the restaurant wait staff and taxi drivers have learned some English making it less of a challenge to get around….. not as much fun however!  Over the last 10 years it has also become a tourist destination, especially now that research is so easy to do on the Internet.  Typically in areas such as Zihuantanejo the locals make their money during the high season (tourist) season, which over the last number of years has been “now” ~January to Easter.  Then things will slow down, picking up again during continue reading »

5 More Tax Tips for Business Travel

In keeping with our tax tips for business travel, can you deduct the cost of cleaning your dirty laundry?

• You sure can, and you don’t have to even have them cleaned while away.  What counts is where they get dirty, so you can deduct your 1st dry cleaning bill when you get home!  Remember to keep all receipts for documentation.

What is considered a full days travel if going by car?

• IRS employees receive a full days per diem for each 300 miles of travel.  If it is the magic number for them, it must be for us as well. So work your schedule around to continue reading »

The Holidays Snuck Up Again!

Take a look at the post today on BabyBoomersBlueprint for my comments on how quickly the holidays came this year, and more importantly those things I’m so grateful for.  How about you, what made it to your gratitude journal?

Until next time, J.
“Take control of your destiny or someone else will”