It is Tax Time! Of course this is the time when the MLM crowd will dig deep for any excuse to deduct ANY expense on their taxes. Of course we all know what is an is not allowed, but there is so much more. Did you remember these:
- Cable television as long as it has the Travel Channel
- Automobile because you have to drive to meet your recruits
- Trips to Walmart because after all it is a trip--who says trips need to be distant
- Private school education and college as long as the schools have maps
- Plasma televisions as long as they have cable access
- Hookers, because they were "South American Hotties"
- All meals in any ethnic restaurant because you need to get a taste of the destination
- Subscription to Penthouse and Playboy because of the exotic photo shoots--and Sports Illustrated too
- Children's soccer team registration because soccer was started in a foreign country. Baseball and American football are exempt
- The $10 you pay each time you load a room up for a recruiting meeting
- Any "bling" you buy as long as it has "YTB on it. If not, use a fine point Sharpie (also deductible)
- The value of your time for the amount of time you spend defending you scam on websites
- Pepsi Cola because it sounds foreign
- Your share of the $3M in useless Olympic tickets
- The illegal alien cutting your grass for language skills
- Any taxi fare worldwide
- Any movie as long as it was not filmed at your home
- Any magazine with Tom Cruise in it
John,
ReplyDeleteSome of those were very funny.
Truth is, a few of those were legitimate expenses.
The cable TV for the travel channel could be deductible partially, but the taxpayer better have records showing what percentage of TV time is devoted to the travel channel. So, presumeably it would be an extremely low percentage.
Automobile expense is valid at 50.5 cents per mile, and yes meeting recruits is a valid expense of a home based business.
A trip to walmart would be valid (mileage and supplies) if the supplies were used for your business.
The 10 bucks to load up a room to recruit is a valid expense.
The bling, could be an expense, I have seen those tacky YTB pins, but that would be valid.
And I must admit, it took me 2 times to read through before a really got the Tom Cruise thing, that was very funny.
I think you forgot a couple of crucial things John.
ReplyDelete1. Kool-aid
2. Fashionable green shirt that says "ask me how I got this trip for free"
3. Cult deprogramming for those who have gotten out.
4. Church, as everyone knows that YTB is the "one way internet path to heaven"
5. Family reunions, as long are you are recruiting
John,
ReplyDeleteHave you read Ms. Skalka's book?
Because you clearly jest about some of those things, but it is quite clear in her book. She actually has a whole series on tax deductions for various fields, vocations, etc.
In her small business book, she mentions trade magazines and subscriptions as long as they are documented with a percentage of time for business use. Clearly cable and internet would fall into that. The other items from the anon post are accurate. I have noticed here and on other boards a general sniping toward tax deductions as "cheating" the system. Keep in mind the tax code was not designed for the employee but for the entrepenuer. So, aggressive tax deductions are great and most times legal.
With respect to YTB, i have personally sponsored 4 CPAs into YTB as they saw the light about extra tax deductions. One of those CPAs was my father, who has been a CPA for 40 years. I trust his judgement.
But, you should also read the book that you grabbed the image for. SHe is also accessible at www.nj.com for professional questions, and she would validate what I just said for you.
Taxpayers -
ReplyDeleteJohn is trying to be cute about one of the primary reasons for having a business from home.
Have fun.
Home business tax deductions are available for any type of home business, whether it is juice, lotions or travel.
I love the tax laws and how they pertain to home business owners.
Tax savings are a real attraction to prospective YTB business owners. The bleeding hearts on this blog show deep concern for the masses who pay their $49.95 per month.
Actually, it is the best expenditure they make all month . . . the key that unlocks hundreds of dollars each month in tax savings.
John must like to pay more than he needs to, so I appreciate his contributions to our Federal Government.
Thank you, John.
YTB and TRAVEL: A Great Mix!
And people that use this blog for tax advice are fools. But those that might listen to the bullcrap rhetoric from YTB are even more foolish.
ReplyDelete$49.95 a month does not give you entree to deduct the toilet paper you wipe your ass with simply because it is made from paper from trees forested in New Zealand.
When the IRS starts auditing these fools for deducting all this nonsense maybe they will learn. My CPA is a former IRS agent, I showed him a post recently and he laughed, Your cable bill is not deductible, ALL of your internet, phone, etc not fully deductible. And the best I saw so far was someone redoing their house with a home theather with Plasma's for "sometimes meetings" and writing it off. Good luck with that.
ReplyDeleteTL -
ReplyDeleteThere are plenty of legitimate deductions to take with a home business that make having one a great tax stategy. No need to go out on the edge. There are plenty of deductions with a YTB business to significantly reduce your tax burden.
There are CPAs that understand home business tax laws. Many do not.
One of the great benefits of recruiting in YTB is being mobile and not sitting behind a desk all day long. It is easy to show "pursuit of a profit" when you are out and about or traveling.
50.5 cents per mile adds up quickly.
You have your former IRS agent that instructs you. We have ours, too.
And I like him a whole lot when it comes tax time.
YTB and TRAVEL: A Great Mix!
Notice how ytbscam disappeared when the YTB stock closed higher yesterday?
ReplyDeleteHe was all over the blog when the stock went down around $1.80.
YTB stock heading down: He's orgasmic.
YTB stock heading up: He crawls back into his hole.
Fun to watch.
YTB and TRAVEL: A Great Mix!
Since John decided to change this “credible” blog into a joke fest today, let me tell you about my trip to the travel agency last week to look into vacation plans this summer.
ReplyDeleteFirst I called the agency and asked for Bob, (he was recommended), and the person who answered said, “Bob is on vacation. Would you like to hold?” So I hung up and drove to the agency. When I arrived I was greeted by a very pleasant individual who couldn’t get her computer turned on. She said she plugged it in several times and still nothing. She pointed to the cord and I noticed she had plugged the power strip back into itself. I kindly explained her error and she said, “silly me.”
There was a customer at the next cubicle and he was making some travel arrangements as well and his agent said he had to sign the back of his credit card in order for her to complete the transaction. He asked why, and she explained that it was necessary to compare the signature on the credit card with the signature on the receipt. So he signed the credit card in front of her and she compared the signatures and would you believe they matched?
I then informed the electrical expert once her computer was powered up that I was hoping to go to the Florida Keys for vacation and wasn’t particular about airlines but wanted the lowest rates. Well the rates were a bit out of range and I told her I may have to make other arrangements and she asked if I had ever hitchhiked? She said she had done it once and it was a blast. I told her that wasn’t what I was thinking about doing and she proceeded to say, “If you are trying to cut costs, how about staying with friends or relatives – do you have any in Florida? I stood up and said “Why am I here?”, and she said, “I hear ya, I’d rather be on vacation myself.” Needless to say I left.
John - You forgot the internet access along with the computer and printer. Not just part of it, all of it. The telephone too, cell and land line. All of it. Yes, all of this is tax deductible according to YTB. Even all of your trips. I am really looking forward to the IRS coming after these misinformed and lied to YTB people. I know what you can and cannot deduct because at one point I had my business from home. One thing you never want to mess with is the IRS. Since all of the YTB people are pulling in thousands upon thousands of dollars each month, I just hope they're filing quarterly. If not, they're in for a big surprise.
ReplyDeleteThis is especially for YTB and TRAVEL: A Great Mix!....Still denying that you're the Olescorekeeper aka Doug aka Alan? Who are you?
YTB and TRAVEL: Soon to be in Leavenworth!
Was her name Lisa by chance? ;>)
ReplyDeleteOleScorekeeper
Funny Ole
ReplyDelete1. I work from home and don't take walk-ins.
2. I don't do leisure..im a Corporate VIP and online booking admin.
3. I don't believe a word of the poster above, I'll pull a YTB..and cry BS.
As for all the tax deductions, I'm all for you people getting audited by the IRS, go for it. I've been home based for over 5 years now, so I know what can/cannot be deducted - legally -. You cannot deduct your cable bill, you cannot deduct your whole phone, fax, internet, vacations etc. Portions maybe..not all. People are buying into all of these speculations based on what they are told. I just hope they are smart enough to talk to a TAX PROFESSIONAL before going on H & R block.com and trying to deduct all this.
Oh and FYI the mileage deduction for 2007 was 48.5 I believe not 50.5
TL -
ReplyDeleteI believe that we are presently in the year 2008 if I'm not mistaken.
Here's a hint: You better stick to corporate travel and leave the tax advice to professionals.
I have a very competent CPA that validates anything that I say about home business tax deductions.
Also have a former IRS agent and current CPA that I can contact for any clarification.
I'm not the least concerned about an audit. My CPA will represent me if it happens. And he has signed off on my return.
My records are complete and I deduct everything available to a home business owner. I keep excellent records. And the deductions have saved me thousands of dollars.
TL and Martha -
In your fearful world, here's what IRS stands for:
I'm
Really
Scared
YTB and TRAVEL: A Great Mix!
I'm suspecting the blog owner is writing off his purchase of Star Trek figurines for his secret collection, a summer wardrobe of Women's Urban Clothing - I'm afraid to ask, and a few travel blankets as client gifts, (as the heading suggests). Wow - I would be so proud to be a client of John's and get a little "Spock" doll along with my tie die tube top!!!
ReplyDelete"Still denying that you're the Olescorekeeper aka Doug aka Alan? Who are you?"
ReplyDeleteFor any who have been led astray by their own minds, Doug is NOT the OleScorekeeper. I ought to know as I am he. It's odd to note that I have not only been accused of being Doug, who I truly respect, but also Alan and Babs. I have no clue who these folks are.
And so for clarification purposes, the OleScorekeeper is NOT comprised of a trinity of individuals..but instead, just one humble little RTA. I have no use for those who wish to continue to dispute this any further. ;>)
Get A Life
OleScorekeeper
Want some fun? Click on OleScore and see what happens!
Better yet - how about the "No Travel MLM Gear" you try to sell. Are you seeing huge profits or do you have a warehouse full of stuff you can't get rid of. I sure hope you aren't claiming this stuff as a deduction and anything else that you spend on your plight to rid the world of MLM Travel. That would just be an unjustice! Only in America!
ReplyDeleteHey what ever happend to the fat slob from California that said he was the pioneer of the internet and an RTA. Mr YouTube? DId YTB gag him and tie him up?
ReplyDeleteAs much as Doug loves Ole they are not one in the same. And who the heck is Alan?
ReplyDeleteGlad all the Anons and Mixed Ups have their tax ducks n a row. I AM going to venture that thousands of YTBers don't, and wouldn't shell out for a tax advisor when they can do it free on taxcut.com. Thay's the YTB way...offer the carrot and do it yourself.
Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteAka Doug,
The only one that is obsessed with anything is you. I was posting yesterday and the day before. It's obvious your man crush on me is getting you...go check yourself into the next local kook-aid clinic. And you want me to get excited about a 10-20 cent rise? Hardly...I haven't gone anywhere...once again.
Okay Anon,
ReplyDeleteI actually do believe you about your little trip to a travel agency. And I am willing to bet that everything that agent said to you was just sarcasm to get you to leave. I bet you got an attitude with her from the moment you helped her with her computer. From then on she was probably just trying to get you to go away.
Pardon me for thinking we were discussing taxes that were filed YESTERDAY and not looking forward to 2008's returns just yet. The 2007 mileage rate was what I was quoting. And honestly, I'll be glad to stick to corporate travel, at least its a respectable job in the travel industry where one can make a very good salary plus bonus without having to recruit a single soul. And the last I checked that comment was not directed towards you, whoever you are, it was a blanket statement.
ReplyDeleteWhy pay a professional when you go do it yourself online for less. Isn't that their motto?
ReplyDeleteI just find it really odd that Olescorekeeper writes and quotes exactly the same things from Doug's bog, even putting the link under his signature at times. Alan is another YTB fanatic that sounds just like Ole and sometimes posts on Doug's self-serving and contrite bog. For those of you that haven't had the pleasure of reading it, you have to. It's a one of a kind that YTB promo that sometimes strays into the anti-YTB when Dougie doesn't get his way. He makes lots of references to this site but has stated that he left this blog because of the negativity. It's funny to read because that man has read every self-help book on the market and is continually attending self-help seminars. I wonder if he did this before he joined YTB and became a cult member?
ReplyDeleteI still think Ole and Doug are joined at the hip. If you click on Ole's link today, it will take you to his RTA YTB site. Of course there is no contact information there either.
YTB and TRAVEL: JUST TRY AND CONTACT ME!
TravelLisa and Autumn Rose:
ReplyDeleteWow, the joke about the travel agency visit really shows how you two are few screws loose. You are actually trying to figure out whether it was true or not? Didn't you read the first sentence about John turning the blog into a joke so this one was inserted. I'm beginning to think it could happen! Ha Ha - this is funnier than I imagined.
ytbscam -
ReplyDeleteYou never hear me getting excited about the YTB stock, up or down.
I am happy to see it higher than it was a month ago, but it makes no difference with my YTB business.
You are the one who gets all exercised by it. And I'm concerned about you bringing up your crotch all of the time. Must be some kind of disorder.
No man-crush here. Happily married. Just amused by a poster who thinks he really knows what is going on with YTB.
How's the stock doing today? I haven't looked. Must be OK because you are not railing about it.
YTB and TRAVEL: A Great Mix!
Well, today the Euro hit an all time high against the dollar - Shanghai Spring better start doing Central and South America tours!
ReplyDeleteReading the blog today - I have a few insights:
ReplyDeleteSCOREBOARD
MLM Travel = 1
Bad Mix = 0
John, you may not want to archive this one - the Bad Mix crowd looks a bit, well, hate to say it, "on the dumb side". From your beginning post to your gullible team members who have to second guess an obvious joke. You might want to shut this one down and start fresh tomorrow.
When a YTBer goes to an accountant to get their taxes done, the accountant do the taxes, or point them to a website and make them do their own?
ReplyDeleteIRS Warns Taxpayers to be Aware of
ReplyDeleteAbusive Home-Based Business Tax Schemes
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service is cautioning the public about promoters who are selling the concept that taxpayers can operate any type of unprofitable "business" out of their home and claim personal expenses as business expenses. Taxpayers should be wary of these programs.
These schemes have gained popularity for a variety of reasons, including:
The desire of individuals to reduce the amount of taxes they pay.
Unscrupulous promoters, selling tax avoidance and audit assistance packages.
Taxpayers being advised they can deduct all or most of their home and other personal assets as business expenses.
Most taxpayers with home-based businesses accurately report their income and expenses, while enjoying the benefits that a home-based business can offer. However, some individuals have received advice that they can operate any type of unprofitable "business" out of their home and claim personal expenses as business expenses. Non-deductible personal living expenses cannot be transformed into deductible business expenses regardless of how convincing the information in marketing materials may seem.
The following are a few examples of items that are generally not deductible as business expenses:
Deducting all or most of the cost and operation of a personal residence. For example, placing a calendar, desk, file cabinet, telephone, or some other business-related item in each room does not increase the amount that can be deducted.
Paying children a salary (e.g. for answering telephones, washing cars, etc.).
Deducting education expenses from salaries paid to children wrongfully claimed as employees.
Deducting excessive car and truck expenses when the vehicle was used for both personal and business use.
Deducting personal furniture, home entertainment equipment, children's toys, etc.
Deducting personal travel, meals, and entertainment under the guise that everyone is a potential client.
Any investment scheme or promotion that claims to allow a person to deduct what would normally be personal expenses, and not ordinary and necessary business expenses, should be considered highly suspect. As always, a business must truly exist prior to claiming expenses.
IRS Media Relations Office
Washington, D.C. Tel. 202.622.4000
2/04/04
Sd, Want me to tell you some real life horror stories of travel gone bad with YTB bookings? I gotta lot of them and even you can be the star if you wish. I like this blog.
ReplyDeleteSD- 0
Me - 1532
ytbnomore:
ReplyDeleteI'm assumming the score is relating to travel horror stories? You have 1,532 and I have zero? You are incorrect - I have one or two - and all involving a legitimate travel agency company. But a bit of advice on having 1,532 travel horrors - you may want to take up playing checkers in an assisted living home where you don't need to get out much. I'd be afraid to travel with that record.
If I had to book with YTB, I would stay home!
ReplyDeleteYTBNOMORE said..."Sd, Want me to tell you some real life horror stories of travel gone bad with YTB bookings?
ReplyDeleteI found a couple of your 1,532 horror stories. Appears when some of the TTA's are running off with the money, others are being accused of "screwing up" travel arragements.
They Screwed Up Seats & Meals
She Screwed Up Our Transportation
OleScorekeeper
Want more out of life? Click on OleScore and see what happens!
I'm sorry those nasty people are working for YTB. It must be a great embarrassment for you. I'm sure it will be okay as long as they pay every month.
ReplyDeleteMy Collette rep was just here and we had some good laughs over YTB. So thank you all for brightening my afternoon.
And, SD can't read too well. My score is 1532, not my horror YTB stories. But, thank to Collette I do have a few more of those now.
It's great to see the YTB stock rising steadily again! Closed up .17 today.
ReplyDeleteOleScorekeeper
Want the know more about YTBLA? Click on OleScore for todays closing.
ytbnomore -
ReplyDeleteGood to know that the Collette Vacations Rep was having laughs with you and saying negative things about YTB.
I will be sure to pass it on to YTB Corporate.
Thanks.
YTB and TRAVEL: A Great Mix!
I wasn't aware that the truth was a negative concept, Mixed Up. Is this another YTB thing? Somebody needs to take some training classes....
ReplyDeleteAnonymous said...
ReplyDeleteGood to know that the Collette Vacations Rep was having laughs with you and saying negative things about YTB.
I will be sure to pass it on to YTB Corporate.
Thanks.
YTB and TRAVEL: A Great Mix!
If you only knew how many suppliers feel about YTB you would hang your head in shame. It's pretty standard to use YTB as the butt of jokes since most YTB people are buttheads without a clue. Pass that along to YTB Corporate and see what reaction you get. They don't care as long as you keep sending in your $50 per month and a couple of recruits. I have always wondered about the YTB commission structure. If you recruit someone for $500, how come you only get $50? That's a crappy commission and less than most suppliers pay. Hoodwinked again!
YTB and TRAVEL: I MADE MILLIONS LAST YEAR AND ONLY BOOKED TRAVEL FOR MYSELF!
martha -
ReplyDeleteI'm sure there are many people that talk out of both sides of their mouths.
They like to keep the TTAs happy by talking out of one side. And it is like candy to a baby when talking about YTB to a TTA. They love it.
Makes them feel GOOOD about themselves!
On the other side of their mouths, they love the business that we send them.
With all of your self-proclaimed knowledge about YTB, you should know our marketing compensation forwards and backwards.
You are an expert on YTB on everything else, why not how we are paid to sell our business?
Come on, Martha - you are better than this.
YTB and TRAVEL: A Great Mix!
No, I'm not. You people don't send them THAT MUCH business and that's a fact. For the amount of RTAS that are with YTB, the amount is minimal at best. Check the figures. I have.
ReplyDeleteYTB and TRAVEL: NO BUSINESS!
martha -
ReplyDeleteKeep me posted when your agency sells $414 million.
YTB and TRAVEL: A Great Mix!
This whole thread is interesting to me as the tax code is written for business owners. Any home based business affords the "owner" many legitimate tax deductions. Each situation is unique as to what would be considered "ordinary and necessary" expenses.
ReplyDeleteWith that said, as an RTA with YTB I can tell you that YTB does not tell you what specifically to deduct. They should say that tax deductions could be available that may not have been in the past.
Also, every presentation that I have been to or given, consulting with a CPA or other tax professional when tax items are brought up.
As to specifics like cable, internet, phone...more than likely these expenses CAN be deductible but also more than likely NOT IN FULL.
The home theather example, if that RTA is making presentations there, then it is deductible. However, it that RTA is also watching movies for leisure, then a percentage of business use needs to be figured out.
Keep in mind, if someone had a business and opened up an office then the office would be a fully deductible expense. What if that office had a theater in it with a 60 inch plasma screen for presentations, then that would be a part of the office expense. Period. So, now the office is in someones home and the total expenses are likely even less then if that business owner had a separate office.
Just a question for you TTAs...
ReplyDeleteSInce you say you hate MLM (even though it is really YTB), what is your thought of this...
http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/JoinOurTeam/opportunities/franchise/home-based-franchise/full-details.htm
I want to know what you feel about the cost to get involved, the fact that they advertise involvement by mentioning travel benefits and work at home tax benefits.
Please, your opinions are welcome.
CruiseShipCenters is just like any other travel host agency.
ReplyDeleteThere are MANY travel host agencies that advertise in the same way.
We have no problem with the legitimate travel hosts.
In fact, we've said it many times, if YTB removed the MLM part of their business and became a true travel host agency, we'd have no problem with YTB either.
But then you would need to WORK to earn your commission, just like every other TA.
You would lose your "leverage", you wouldn't need to recruit - you would just need to SELL TRAVEL.
Well, I don't entirely agree with you as isn't cruise ship centers recruiting? and, one of the many gripes I hear from TTAs is why would someone "pay" to go to work? Well, YTB offers someone not just cruising sales, but all travel for 450 and 50 per month, and to sell just cruises through the franchise link I posted, you would "pay" 4000 plus 100 per month?
ReplyDeleteThe recruiting end of YTB is how a travel sales force is built.
In fact on that webpage, it talks about retail franchises and one of the training sessions is how to recruit sales people.
Recruiting is a natural part of building your business.
Leverage is exactly what expedia is doing by recruiting franchisees.
They figure if they have a work at home person that expedia can capitalize on that individuals network and marketing ability. It is called business.
I have no problem with it, but it is inconsistent for someone to argue against YTB and not Expedia.
Also, they clearly mention in the benefits of becoming a franchisee the travel perks.
That seems to be a big problem for the TTA crowd as well.
If you have a gripe, that is fine, just be honest about it.
Franchises are not the same as MLMs, get it?
ReplyDeleteThe difference between YTB and any other travel host or franchise:
ReplyDeleteWith YTB you can earn money by not selling travel - you can earn money just by recruiting others and selling websites. There is no need to sell travel to earn money with YTB.
With other travel hosts or franchises, if there are no travel sales, there are no earnings.
Big difference.
If you want to research other travel host agencies and franchises, look for Nexion, CruisePlanners, Americas Vacation Center, or see the full NACTA list here http://www.nacta.com/hosts/
Lisa,
ReplyDeletePlasma tv, home theatre, and laptop were also tax deductions, because they are used for company presentations. my CPA deducted them all 100%.
Also, aside from the mileage, any upkeep to a vehicle is also deductible. This could be anywhere from a simple oil change and tune-up to an elaborate overhaul.
All I have to do is keep full records and all receipts in a journal (not a looseleaf binder). A journal is the only legal binding type of notebook. Any CPA will notify you of that.
This is a topic which is near to my heart.
ReplyDelete.. Many thanks! Exactly where are your contact details though?
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