Business Expenses

[orbic1]

Does anyone know if I can claim a trip to Texas as a tax deductable business expense to visit the server on which my business site is stored?

[Spathiphyllum]

You can claim anything... at least here in the states. Now whether or not it's legal...

[Vin DSL]

Originally posted by orbic1
Does anyone know if I can claim a trip to Texas as a tax deductable business expense to visit the server on which my business site is stored?

Yes, you can! Just make sure you have a board meeting sometime during the visit and keep a copy of the minutes on record. That will make it 'legal' in case you are audited.

[orbic1]

Any takers for a board meeting at JagPC HQ? I'm self employed and have contractors to do things! I could invite clients though... and web advisers (that's you).

I'm sure someone mentioned pizza and beer at one point...!

[Vin DSL]

Originally posted by orbic1
Any takers for a board meeting at JagPC HQ? I'm self employed and have contractors to do things! I could invite clients though... and web advisers (that's you)...

How the hell do you incorporate without a board

Without a board, you aren't a business; you're a wanker pretending to be a business...

[Connie]

orbic1

You can do what you inquired about. Keep good records in regard to the trip in case you get audited. You probably wont. The trip would be a legitimate business trip. Every thing you spend on the trip may not be regarded as a business deduction. For instance. If you take some one from Jag out to dinner that would probably qualify. You personal meals may only qualify at something like 50%.

Unless your deduction is excessive you probably will not be audited. If you are audited the burden of proof is yours. You will need records to prove to the IRS that this was a business trip and not a pleasure trip.

Have a good trip.

[mattsiegman]

lol, have fun

[orbic1]

Without a board, you aren't a business; you're a wanker pretending to be a business...

Okay Vin, you've probably had a bad night or something. Lets take a lesson in basic business.

1) You are called a "Company" if you are incorporated
2) You are called a Business if you are one of the following:
Sole Trader
Partnership
Limited Liability Partnership
Company
3) A Company (that's the one that's incorporated) can be formed with a SOLE director as long as there is a company secretary. Whilst these can't be the same person unless there is a second director, for all intensive purposes there is still only ONE person. Although the Company Secretary has to be present at the AGM and board meetings.

Before you make your viriolic retort, which is undoubtedly on it's way, please consider the following: I've been doing this for a while now and I live in the UK which has slightly different rules regarding incorporation (point 3). Points 1 and 2 (usually 3 aswell) stand in almost every "Western" Country.

This has gotten me annoyed now.

[Ron]

I was kinda wondering why the "expert" posters were giving someone from the UK US/IRS-based tax info.

But then, I'm no expert in international taxes, though come to think of it, I once tried to get a young man from Mexico enrolled in the International Tax Program at Harvard.

I was all of 18 or 19, and was dating this girl from Mexico who was studying English at Harvard for the summer. (Take that to mean that she was loaded. Paris Hilton type, without the blond, blondness, or fame. Great summer.)

Anyway, the son of one of her father's friends had been rejected from the ITP. So, believe it or not, I made an appointment to see the admissions officer for that program. She explained to me that the program was designed for older participants, ones who had years of experience and seniority and rank in the government, and who could affect tax policy immediately.

I offerred that he was so young and already in a position of importance, that he would be able to affect policy for many years to come. Boy, did I have cajones back then.

I don't know if my 10 minute meeting was the reason, but a few days later we got word that he had been accepted. After that summer, I never heard from either one of them again. But Ohhhhh, those summer nights!

(If this scenario sounds familiar to you, tell Blanca Rosa where to find me!)

[Vin DSL]

Originally posted by orbic1

I live in the UK which has slightly different rules regarding incorporation...

Anyone can say they're from anywhere. Got proof? Let's see if you're really from the Leeds...

What's a toilet hugger? How about jelly on a plate? What's that mean?

[Spathiphyllum]

Originally posted by Vin DSL
Anyone can say they're from anywhere. Got proof?...

Just curious Vin. What would orbic1's motivation be to make this up?

Are you implying that you're not from "Arizona Uplands"? Furthermore, are you really Vin, or are you a Vin impersonator? Post something Vin-like so we know for sure.

The "toilet hugger" I think I know from a previous drinking binge, but the jelly on a plate - sounds like a short-order cook request for a kid's sandwhich.

[mattsiegman]

ugh... I will lock this topic if you guys don't behave yourselves.

[Spathiphyllum]

Originally posted by mattsiegman
ugh... I will lock this topic if you guys don't behave yourselves.

Disclaimer to maintain relevance:
See Tax Deductible Expenses to get a U.S. IRS ruling.

Now for what I really want to know:
What'd I say to warrant an "ugh"?

[orbic1]

I checked up on US Business Law. You can still be incorporated as a sole proprieter ie. Dont Need A Board.

Anyone can say they're from anywhere. Got proof? Let's see if you're really from the Leeds...

A bit petty, methinks. BTW - Leeds is a place name, so you can drop the definitive article preceding the name. i.e. Leeds, not the Leeds

Relevent Bit: I could always regsiter in the US for a business arm operated in the UK. Have a postal address and claim as an expense to visit it and then visit the datacentre. Is this legal, and/or cheap. (I'm not seriously thinking of doing it, just interested if it's possible)