Hi, its me again, I know all of you know about the regular income tax filing season deadline, and the extension that is available for you if you feel that you will not have enough time to get your information together for your tax preparer. First of all, here is a little advice as to what is happening! If you are a Cargo Van Driver and do your own taxes with over the counter software such as Turbo Tax, Tax Act, Tax Cut, your chances of being audited are increased by 27%. The reason for these audits is due two major items. the standard mileage rate, and the Per Diem. In reference to the Per Diem, this must be as accurate as using a log book in you van. which is not required by the DOT. AS YET! So you would have to prove it by using some sort of daily log, I have used a log book myself for the tax per diem only, since it is again not required to be used in vehicles under 10,000 GWV. If you have a Hazmat load it is required for that load only even in a van. so it doesn't hurt to use one. You have to remember your Per Diem starts the first day you are dispatched, and at what time. which means that you must base your day for the dispatch to the day you actually return to you residential place of abode. and it is based by quarter days, midnight to 6 am, 6 am to Noon, noon to 6 PM and 6 PM to Midnight. so if you lease a 3pm you get 1/2 day for the dispatched day, and depending on the actual time you pull into your home driveway. lets say 5 Pm. that 3/4 of a day . plus the days in between. This is what the IRS looks for. The Standard Mileage Rate! You cannot use the yearly figure based on the beginning and ending mileage. The IRS requires that you detail each load separately . WHOLE LOTS OF FUN, HA! HA! In
