Schedule J Expenses in Ohio

[BrokeToo]

Note on my cellphone expense, I need/use my cell phone for work (travel frequently throughout the country) and I am only reimbursed $10 by my employer.

[SMinGA]

Actual gas use should be something you can fight for. (You don't want to know what I spend on gas. I personally drive about 300-350 miles a week for a part time job, 45 miles a day for full time job commute, and that does not count my hubby's 35 miles for work + 20 mile x 7 days a week commute. But we do get some mileage reimbursement from employers.) You will need to account somehow for anything employer reimbursed. I personally did not think the cell bill was high as I didn't notice a home phone bill. It would not hurt, however, to check with your provider and see if another plan (less $) would work. THey often come out with new plans to be competitive... Also find out if your employer has any preferred pricing packages with the cell provider. If its a big company, its a good possibility.

As to the IRA deduction, this should be considered. Schedule I will show your gross income, taxes and other deductions, and that leads to your net. If you've contributed this amount for a while - and its the max for employer contribution - it should not be a problem.

My actual gas/auto expenses will very likely be higher, proved by receipts, so that will probably be closer to $200 (I often visit my paraplegic cousin and stay on the weekends to clean/take care of him which really adds additional gas expense).

I do contribute $105/month to my employer's Simple IRA, which is my employer-preferred retirement fund. I contribute the exact amount they match. Is that something that I can claim?

[BrokeToo]

Thanks for all of your help and advice!

I am going to tweak and round up my numbers and get them to my attorney over the next week or so. I don't plan on filing until the second week of June at earliest, but if my attorney advises to file in July after our baby, I will obviously do that.

I'll be praying!

[BrokeToo]

Adding AAA auto coverage would be an acceptable expense, correct?

[momofthree]

Adding AAA auto coverage would be an acceptable expense, correct?

It should be, but it won't add much. We just bought ours with out tax refund and it was around $60/person for the year, so it'd only add around $5 a month to your expenses, but I suppose every bit counts....

[OHBOY]

Not wanting to get off the topic of this thread, and certainly don't want to promote anything...but, IF by chance you are trying to SAVE $'s...GM Motor Club covers family members WITHOUT additional fees, meaning that 60 bucks covers self AND spouse, ect......I just renewed for that amount. Over the years I have not found any other club that offers same benefits.