Tax Question: Can I Write Off a Trip to Shoot with Jason Cole?

Many of you here know Jason Cole (Cole Studios in Wollongong, Australia) who is an award winning wedding and glamor photographer ... and POTN member. He has invited me to visit and work with him (uncompensated) on a Zoo Swimwear Calendar shoot next year. My business can afford to send me if I can write the trip off on my taxes. It would be for professional development ... just me, no family, etc., and just for the learning experience since I shoot glamor and promotional models. My wife has said I can go (just in case you wondered!) So, the question is, can I write it off?

What did your accountant say? If you don't have one did you call the tax department and ask them? Tax laws are different everywhere.

In NZ anything that helps you in your business is a legitimate deduction.

tim wrote in post #11302795
What did your accountant say? If you don't have one did you call the tax department and ask them? Tax laws are different everywhere.

In NZ anything that helps you in your business is a legitimate deduction.

Well, if I had paid to ask my CPA I wouldn't have asked here ... but you make an excellent point although I am hoping someone can give me a hint about the IRS in the USA.

I wouldn't hesitate to write it off as "Professional Education."

I just spent pretty serious coin to attend an air to air photography workshop and I guarantee that's coming off the taxes!

Best way for a totally correct answer is ask your accountant.
If you have a business and do not have an accountant, who keeps up with the changes each year, it can be such a hassle.
You could also look up an accountant affluent in the proper industry and pay for an hour of there time.

Safest way I can think off.

FlyingPhotog wrote in post #11302807
I wouldn't hesitate to write it off as "Professional Education."

I just spent pretty serious coin to attend an air to air photography workshop and I guarantee that's coming off the taxes!

Thanks! Maybe I'll pay Jason (a quaff or two) so it's just like a class. So, next question is, since the cost is going to be 99% travel, lodging & food, can only 50% of that be written off?

TopHatMoments wrote in post #11302821
Best way for a totally correct answer is ask your accountant.
If you have a business and do not have an accountant, who keeps up with the changes each year, it can be such a hassle.
You could also look up an accountant affluent in the proper industry and pay for an hour of there time.

Safest way I can think off.

I do have a CPA but he's $275/hour or part thereof so I try to flesh things out before I contact him. I am currently undergoing an IRS audit or I would probably just have put it down as an expense and moved on ... now I'm more timid. Oh, on the audit, I have submitted all my documentation and am now in the waiting phase!

???

Hope they don't hand you a bill like they did me when I tried to work around all the accountant fees.

They were not bashful in the least when they said I could pay the $71,000 ( and change ) in 30 days

I'd pay him at least a little something so that there is "due consideration" involved.

TopHatMoments wrote in post #11302866
Hope they don't hand you a bill like they did me when I tried to work around all the accountant fees.

They were not bashful in the least when they said I could pay the $71,000 ( and change ) in 30 days

On the IRS thing, I have tried to be scrupulously honest even on things that I could probably have gotten away with such as cash for sold equipment and cash rebates. I do not expect to owe anything. The amazing thing is that they even bothered with my tiny part time $40K/year gross.

FlyingPhotog wrote in post #11302869
I'd pay him at least a little something so that there is "due consideration" involved.

There's a good plan! I'm going to take my own 1DsMIII and 1DMIV and borrow/rent lenses. I'm hoping to meet up with several other Aussie togs I have met through POTN while I'm Down Under.

Accountants should charge per six minute interval, not per hour or part thereof. Get a new accountant.

Mine simply charges a flat rate for tax prep...

In NZ you have to register gear you're taking overseas with customs, otherwise on the way back in they might charge you sales tax and duties. You should check that out. Also make sure your equipment insurance includes overseas, and get health travel insurance.

tim wrote in post #11302901
Accountants should charge per six minute interval, not per hour or part thereof. Get a new accountant.

This guy saved me $16,000 the first year and $13,000 the second. Third year only about $6000.

FlyingPhotog wrote in post #11302909
Mine simply charges a flat rate for tax prep...

Well, maybe he wouldn't charge me a full hour. Maybe I'll work the question in when he gives me the result of my current audit.

tim wrote in post #11302915
In NZ you have to register gear you're taking overseas with customs, otherwise on the way back in they might charge you sales tax and duties. You should check that out. Also make sure your equipment insurance includes overseas, and get health travel insurance.

A good point about the equipment. I have an HMO that I'll get a pre-approval from for the health issue ... hey, doesn't Australia have socialized medicine?