Can I Deduct Vehicle Mileage from My Taxes for Overtime Work?
- To deduct overtime mileage, you must itemize your deductions. This means not claiming the standard deduction. Analyze whether you would benefit here. If you have few miles and few other deductions, the standard deduction may amount to more for you. If you itemize, you must file a Form 1040.
- If you commute, at any hour and regardless of overtime, within a metropolitan area, mileage to and from your work is not deductible. However, if your place of work has been moved to a different, temporary location, you may deduct the mileage, even if you leave after doing overtime work and go to another job rather than home. In addition, if you need to drive from your customary office to a second, temporary job location like a work site, that mileage is deductible.
- Once you fill in your deductions for your taxes, you may never be contacted. You don't need to submit further substantiation of your mileage deduction claim. However, you should keep careful records of those trips should you be asked to provide them in an audit or other query. For each trip, the date must be recorded as well as the total miles. In addition, have the locations (from and to) and the reason for the overtime miles driven.
- The best way to keep all this material together and up to date is with a log. Keep in it your vehicle. Note the required information after you drive. Don't try to remember later. In addition, put down the total mileage of the vehicle and the beginning and close of each year.