Question

Problem 9-23 (LO. 2) Jackson, who is self-employed, uses his automobile 90% for business and during 2018 drove a total of 14,000 business miles. Information regarding his car expenses is listed below. Business parking $ 140 Auto insurance 1,300 Auto club dues (includes towing service) 180 Toll road charges (business-related) 200 Oil changes and engine tune-ups 210 Repairs 160 Depreciation allowable 2,850 Fines for traffic violations (incurred during business use) 320 Gasoline purchases 2,800 What is Jackson's deduction in 2018 for the use of his car if he uses: a. The actual cost method? $ 7,090 Feedback A taxpayer has two choices in determining automobile expenses: the automatic mileage method and the actual cost method. b. The automatic mileage method? $ 7,630

Answer 1

a) Actual Cost method
Business parking $140	140
Auto insurance (1,300*90%)	1170
Auto club dues (includes towing service) (180*90%)	162
Toll road charges (business-related)	200
Oil changes and engine tune-ups (210*90%)	189
Repairs (160*90%)	144
Depreciation allowable (2,850*90%)	2565
Gasoline purchases (2800*90%)	2520
Total actual cost	$7090
b) Automatic Mileage method
(14000 miles*.545)	$7630

It Is better to Opt B) Mileage method as its deduction amount is more and needs less documentation.

Notes:

Business Parking and Toll road charges have been incurred full for business.

Fines are not allowed as deduction.

Standard Mileage Rate = 54.5 cents per mile. As per 2018 Notified by IRS