Here’s an idea: Why not purchase a motorhome or recreational vehicle and deduct it as a business expense?
As long as you use it for business this could be a really sweet deal. And if you just happen to use it for pleasure once or twice, that’s no big deal, right?
You won’t be the first person to think of this and if you don’t follow the IRS rules, you won’t be the last to experience the consequences. The courts and the IRS have battled this discussion out several times. Both have been challenged trying to confirm when the motor home is a business vehicle and when it is a business lodging facility.
Does it matter?
It does. The business aspects of owning a motorhome will qualify for tax deductions, but this comes with a set of rules.
Bear this in mind: if you travel for business and plan to deduct your motorhome as a lodging facility, be sure to count the number of nights you use it for business purposes and use that to measure the number of permissible deductions.
On the other hand, if you use your motor home or RV as a second home, you would deduct the business percentage of its use for business travel without having to consider Section 280A impediments.
It can be complicated, so be sure you understand the guidelines.
Before you can deduct the business expenses associated with your motorhome you need to determine what it actually costs to operate the business-related usage. Along with depreciation and interest or lease payments, be sure to add insurance to the equation.
Take into consideration all of the expenses associated with maintaining your RV. Here are a few other expenses to include in your calculation:
- Motor oil
- Gas
- Car Washes
- Tires
- Licensing Fees
- Property Tax
- Parking
- Tolls
Of course, you’ll only be limited to deducting your business-related expenses. Will painting or wrapping your recreational vehicle with advertisements qualify when deducting personal miles?
You know the answer….
It will not.
Maintain Good Records
The best way to ensure you maximize your allowable deductions on your motorhome or RV is to keep impeccable records. Keep a mileage log and record every single trip—business and pleasure. Make sure you have accrued more than 50 percent business nights.
Even if you think you have a great memory, don’t store this information in your head. Record every single night you use your motorhome for business or personal lodging.
Last but certainly not least, keep IRS Section 280(f)(4) top of mind. This section says the use of your motorhome for overnight business lodging produces deductions for business travel and that business travel is not subject to the vacation home rules.
For a clear explanation of tax deductions for motorhomes or RVs, contact one of our tax professionals. Better to plan ahead than to clean up a mess after the fact.
Contact us today by calling 801-553-1120 or request your free consultation online now. As a thank you for scheduling your consultation, we’ll provide a free tax planning book, The Great Tax Escape.