Do you track your miles for taxes?

[Ryocheck]

Just curious how many of you track your miles for taxes. I have just been giving an estimate the last couple of years but my account has urged me to start logging them. It seems like a lot of work. Does anybody have a simple solution to this? Is there a better way to track and write off my business usage?

Thanks,

[TheRealOBX]

I do it the old fashioned way. I leave a pad of paper in my car and mark the starting and ending each day.

If the paper is not there to remind me, I always forget to do it.

[AnnAnderson1015]

If you use a GPS, a lot of them have total mileage functions. Or you can ask your CPA to make it up at the around tax time like me.. j/k

[jessiesc]

Track everything you deduct. Whatever means you use.

[jamesww]

You absolutely need to track your milage or keep all your reciepts. I have a clip board with print outs from an excell file I made. I keep my milage for every trip so that if I ever get audited I dont end up with any problems. If you would like to file I can email it to you. Just let me know.

[svrpaul]

I use a simple little book from OfficeMax... It costs about $4.00 or something like that.. It breaks it down for destination, business use, personal use, etc...

It also has a section that tracks maintenance costs, etc..

[AugustaREGroup]

I lease a car... write it all (and gas) off, and at the end of the year take out 20% for personal use. CPA does this for most of this clients and has never had a problem.

[Ryocheck]

I might have to break down and start logging them manually. However, the lease option doesn't sound bad either. I just hate making more work for myself.

I might also look into getting a GPS for now. Can anyone recommend a good one for tracking your miles? Can you print or download a log out of the GPS?

Thanks everyone,

[DoorToDreams.com]

I agree with, "Augusta..." in that my accountant encourages leasing. I own a car that I help balance miles on, but leasing your primary business vehicle seems to be a solid way to go.

[REforME]

You absolutely need to track your milage or keep all your reciepts. I have a clip board with print outs from an excell file I made. I keep my milage for every trip so that if I ever get audited I dont end up with any problems. If you would like to file I can email it to you. Just let me know.

I would love to get a copy of your excel spredsheet if I could. Sounds helpful