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travel deduction question

I am a geriatric fellow out of Boston University Medical Center. Most of my time is spent at Boston Medical Center. However, I have to spend a total of 5 months at a Veteran's Admin Hospital approximentely 25 miles away. I travel directly from my home to the VA or BMC depedning on the schedule.

Can I deduct/depreciate those miles to the VA since it is a temporary rotation/work place?

Also, if I never kept track of the exact odometer readings for each trip, can I give a retroactive best estimate of those miles.

Also, can I depreciate/deduct those miles associated with moving?

Finally, for all the above to apply, does the vehicle's title have to be in my name even though I am the primary user. It's still in my fathers name.

Thanks A lot. Your site is wonderful.

Zip Code: drashish18974@lycos.com

Re: travel deduction question

According to the IRS, if your job assignment is slated to last for a year or less, it is considered to be a temporary work location. Even so, commuting from your home to that place of business is only deductible if one of the following three criteria is met:

1. The temporary work location is outside of the metropolitan area where you live.

2. You have one or more regular work locations away from home.

3. Your principal place of business is within your home.


It appears that you will meet #2, and therefore, your commuting to the temporary work location appears to be deductible.

Zip Code: aschwartz@mdtaxes.com