Posted by Lucie_CA on 1/29/10 6:11pm
Msg #320306

Meter parking

I was wondering how folks keep track and document money (mainly coins) spent in a parking meter for jobs since no receipt is issued.

Reply by CF on 1/29/10 6:19pm
Msg #320307

It doesn't happen for me that much...but you could record the amount on your confirmation and then add that to whatever program you use for your records. I always keep my structure receipts- though.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 1/29/10 6:28pm
Msg #320308

I just make a notation in my Franklin Planner. That way, it's tied to the appointment, mileage (also notated there) and business purpose. There's a sheet at the end of each month for transferring and totaling incidental expenses for that month. Then it's not too hard to add that up at the end of the year. This can also be used for any other incidental expenses.

Reply by BrendaTx on 1/29/10 6:41pm
Msg #320310

Re: Meter parking - Janet...what size Franklin Planner

do you use?

The old standard was my fave for years...I got away from them because of computer calendars...thinking of going back to it.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 1/29/10 8:19pm
Msg #320341

Re: Meter parking - Janet...what size Franklin Planner

I wish I could remember! I've used so many different sizes over the years... I had a Classic (?) for use in my office when I was on a job and I think a Compact (the next size down) for personal and other business use. The one I've been happily using for many years now I believe is one size down from that - but I couldn't swear to it because I've never paid that much attention to the names. (I just know I have three different sized binders... )

I buy the filler with the one page per day, so that I have a place to write my prioritized task list, my appointments, notes and the section at the bottom for expenses, etc. The vast majority of the time, this is sufficient for me. I'd considered going all electronic, but for a variety of reasons I didn't want to make a two-year commitment right now, so I'm stickin' with what works for me.

The actual pages for the one I'm now using are 6" x 3" (not counting the left margin). I think I also got a discount on a genuine "simulated leather" zipper binder that I've been using for at least seven years that looks almost good as new. (And it gets some pretty rough treatment.) I always preferred real leather, but I couldn't be happier with this one.

Reply by Cari on 1/29/10 7:44pm
Msg #320338

Franklin Planner aaahhh so good to see someone other

than ME uses the old fashion wayz of keeping appointments....though I long for an IPhone....someday....when I make a whole lots of money from these closings...:o

Reply by Notarysigner on 1/29/10 6:41pm
Msg #320311

If it's downtown like a bank, credit union, financial institution, real estate office I always ask if they provide parking coupons. They usually do for their clients so I will park in a garage and have them pay for it.

Reply by rengel/CA on 1/29/10 6:52pm
Msg #320313

Sacramento has done away with almost all of their parking meters downtown and put in a central pay spot that issues a sticker you place in your window with the time that it expires. The side with the time doesn't have the sticky on it so I save them for my records.

I know this doesn't help you with meters, but thought I would share, it might be the wave of the future that cities all over will go to. I like it!
My .02

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 1/29/10 7:04pm
Msg #320316

This may sound odd, but...

I take a photo of my car and the meter with my Blackberry, and I make sure that Geotagging is turned on.

In Los Angeles, they're beginning to replace the old fashioned coin meters with electronic ones that allow you to use your credit/debit card or coins. But, I'm not always cool with using those because there have been reports that they are prime targets for card skimmers and the software is easily hacked.

If I know I'm going somewhere I need to use a meter... I'll admit it... I bring my husband along so we can use his disabled parking permit. No coins needed because he doesn't have to pay. Usually, these are places where he wants to go anyway, so he doesn't mind tagging along. These places often have cafes or shopping nearby and he likes to hang out - in turn it's good for him to get out and get some exercise.

Reply by Cari on 1/29/10 7:10pm
Msg #320320

here in Chicago, they changed mostly all the meters to some

stupid box wherein you insert qrts and get a receipt...only to find that the receipt is only valid for 5 minutes...a well known glitch in some of the meter boxes...

but I don't keep track of the non-receipt meters.

Reply by John Schenk on 1/29/10 7:13pm
Msg #320321

I just write down the amount for meters, as I spend quite a bit on them in Dallas. If your meter runs out there it costs you $35, and I got hit for that twice so far. Once at the courthouse and once at the hospital. Hotel parking is no in and out and a minimum of $8, and usually costs me $12 to get out in the morning. I keep my parking lot receipts, which are $5 each. It really adds up in a year. My totaled nearly a thousand bucks for 2009, which yields about a $280 net deduction PLUS SE taxes I don't have to pay.

JJ

Reply by John_NorCal on 1/29/10 8:47pm
Msg #320346

The point ......

is to keep good records. Every tax season I sit down with business filers who, for the most part, keep shoddy records (make that no records) of their auto expenses. Their common answer when questioned about mileage, etc, is, "what did I put down last year?" Folks that doesn't cut it! You need to keep records. If you are sitting down in front of an IRS agent and can show that you pay x amount of change for parking meters, then you stand an excellent probability of having that deduction allowed. Find a good way of keeping track of your expenses on paper, NOT A PDA and you shouldn't have a problem explaining any deduction if you are questioned on it.

Reply by Joan Bergstrom on 1/29/10 9:45pm
Msg #320349

I use Quicken Home & Business

It has a vehicle mileage tracking register that includes: Tolls/Parking.

It's easly to use and I stack all my google mileage each day and enter it every day or so in the Quicken register.

With mileage at $.50 per mile for business I make a huge effort to keep track of this as it a big deduction.

Reply by John_NorCal on 1/29/10 10:28pm
Msg #320353

Joan

I would not be using google mileage as the basis of your records. You have to use actual mileage of your vehicle, begining mileage and end mileage. And don't forget, each trip has to have a business purpose, so that should be listed in your record.

In all the tax seminars that I attend it is drilled into us that auto mileage deductions are the number one problem area when schedule C filers are audited.

Reply by Vince/KS on 1/29/10 11:03pm
Msg #320354

My accountant recomended carrying the Auto Mileage Log

book in the glove box or map compartment. They are typically available for less than $2.00 at most office supply stores. Many of the daily planners have similar log pages available as well.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 1/30/10 1:35am
Msg #320361

This I also keep in my Franklin

I notate on the appointment page my starting mileage on the odometer, mileage at the destination, and mileage when I return. I have an Excel spread sheet set up to calculate it for me. That way, I think, is pretty audit proof, since I have a contiguous record fully documented if there are any questions about it. And it's one less piece of paper to lug around or keep track of.

Reply by thnotary_NY on 1/30/10 4:03pm
Msg #320385

Re: My accountant recomended carrying the Auto Mileage Log

I have used PAW's prep sheet for the last 4 years and have recommended it many times. On it I keep my mileage as I'm leaving the driveway, when I get to the job and then when I get home, since there are times when I go directly to the drop off instead of going directly home. I just transfer the info to my computer program after. Works for me.

Reply by Joan Bergstrom on 1/30/10 9:36pm
Msg #320406

google mileage

I only keep track of my business mileage with google.

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 1/30/10 10:25pm
Msg #320410

But is that accurate?

I can't always trust Google mileage to be accurate. The maps are just a good estimate and may not reflect the best or even actual route that I might take. I know it often tells me to take a certain route to get to the freeway, which I know for a fact takes 15 minutes longer than if I take another route on the outskirts of town. It's about a mile longer... but I save a TON of time and gas because Google's route has a lot of stoplights.

I use the GPS reports from the GPS software on my Blackberry. It's much more accurate because it tracks everywhere I go -- including if I get lost.

Reply by BrendaTx on 1/31/10 7:05am
Msg #320413

Re: google mileage - John, correct me if I'm wrong...

If you don't use a mileage LOG tied to a specific car stating
Miles Start - Miles Finish - Date - Destination/Purpose - Total Deductible Miles

Then hope for no audit because the IRS doesn't really care about google mileage. Google mileage doesn't appear anywhere in the IRS's instructions for capturing deductible mileage. Everything I have ever read on taxes, deductions, (which was from the IRS) says a log is required unless one uses actual expenses of oil change receipts, work on the car, and so forth.

It amazes me that people say they use a completely different method which is not IRS sanctioned right here on NR. They advertise it! One of these days the IRS may figure out one place to discount about a zillion miles in deductions is to start right here.

It would behoove every signing agent to take a course in doing one's own taxes so that they'd know how to accurately record and document all their deductible expenses.

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 1/31/10 12:12pm
Msg #320431

I use a log, too...

but I don't always log it in the same place at the time it happens. I usually go back and fill out the log using receipts and my photos as reference. I will photograph the odometer as I come and go. Those images are geotagged and timestamped, so all the info I need is there. My log is an excel spreadsheet, and I keep copies of all the photos and receipts with it. IN the log, I enter a hyperlink to the particular file.

I've been told several times by accountants that this is an acceptable method.

But I don't use Google mileage as proof of distance traveled. heavens no. I will use it for helping people determine how much I charge them for travel, though.

For those that wonder what the IRS will or will not accept see:

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p463.pdf

Table 6.2 is an illustrated example of the type of log they suggest.

Reply by BrendaTx on 1/31/10 2:58pm
Msg #320449

Re: I use a log, too...

Marian - that sounds very efficient. LOL...I'd like to see the IRS agent who'd have to look that over and try to figure out Geotags and time stamps.

I also use the google method to calculate fees, but there's no excuse for anyone thinking/saying that it's okay to use that for taxes. [Ugly buzzer sound] is the IRS's thoughts on that.

Reply by John_NorCal on 1/31/10 6:08pm
Msg #320463

No, you're not wrong at all. If a client came to me and.....

stated that they used google to figure out their mileage, I would say good for you, now what is the "speedometer" mileage that you kept track of so diligently.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 1/30/10 9:22am
Msg #320367

Maybe it's because my numbers are lower than most

I have not been audited yet - I use my tripometer in the vehicle door to door backed up with MapQuest printout to back up the mileage. Most times my door to door is lower than the MapQuest numbers - record the tripometer reading and use the lower of the two.

Again though, my numbers are a lot lower than most other of you.

Reply by pan/nd on 1/29/10 11:08pm
Msg #320356

don't have the problem here

parking meters are outlawed by state law

Reply by Lee/AR on 1/30/10 7:47am
Msg #320364

Careful, you two. Might start a stampede to your areas. n/m

Reply by Susan Fischer on 1/30/10 12:04am
Msg #320359

Another reason to live on the rural Oregon Coast. My

office skirts the Pacific Ocean, meanders through magnificent National Parks, and tiny towns.

If someone proposes tolling roads out here, which would help with our state highway/bridge/ferry/rail maintenance and safening, it just might just pass. Oregon doesn't have a sales tax, either, which hurts everyone, (those border states who shop here, but don't live here excepted.) Bummer.

Lincoln City doesn't have any parking meters, but we do have a public plug-in station for electric cars. Forward thinking, and free parling for townies and tourists. Also, a bridge project just South of town, at sea level, is good to see; cranes with pile drivers, and hardy rip-rap filling the base. It's going to be nice, and will help protect the National Reserve on the East side of Highway 101 on the mesmerizing Siletz River.

Hopefully, I don't come off as smug.

Reply by GOLDGIRL/CA on 1/30/10 1:04pm
Msg #320378

Not at all, Susan

You come off as lucky and fortunate and your make me envious every time I read your wonderful and wonderfully written pieces here on NR about your life in such a beautiful part of America.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 1/30/10 4:42pm
Msg #320387

Re: Another reason to live on the rural Oregon Coast. My

You also come off as someone who loves where she lives. Good on ya' (as they say down under)!!

Reply by Susan Fischer on 1/30/10 6:32pm
Msg #320395

Guilty as charged. It's a gray day, and a light rain

stipples the lake, smearing reflections of the hillside trees. Tiny ducks dive to forage below, soon popping up in little surprises. And breaking the silence on the lake, a small herd of robins chatter in the bare wild cherry tree ourside my window, debating the suitabilities of small limbs and branchlets for their Spring nests, always mindful of sneaky raccoon families who will surely come marauding.

Everyone stay warm and safe this chilly-willy day; warm and safe and happy.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 1/31/10 1:22am
Msg #320412

Nice! Thanks for painting us such a lovely vision! ;>) n/m

Reply by Notarysigner on 1/31/10 12:47pm
Msg #320432

Re: Another reason to live on the rural Oregon Coast. My

I frequent Lincoln City, Nedonna (I had a office there) and I lived in Beaverton and Hillsboro. When I want to get away from it all for a few days I rent a condo in Florence, Ore.

Reply by Susan Fischer on 1/31/10 6:42pm
Msg #320467

Isn't Florence a gorgeous little town? I've done a few

signings there - long, spectacular drive, and so perfect a day trip.

Reply by Notarysigner on 1/31/10 7:32pm
Msg #320473

Re: Isn't Florence a gorgeous little town? I've done a few

Yes,...I like to bring my kites there.....it is very easy to launch them on the beach in the afternoon.

Reply by Susan Fischer on 1/31/10 8:12pm
Msg #320477

Wver been the the kite festival in Lincoln City? Some

folks just sit through the light at the D River Wayside, oohing and ahing at the dozens of ocean critters way up there; the loooong wormey things wriggling in the wind; huge twirly wormholes -

Best perhaps, are all the kids, (big and little) running with their new kites in the sand.

One time, there was a guy with a great big deep-sea fishing pole, and a kite so high you could barely see it up in the stratosphere...

Yay Spring! Hurry hurry hurry.