I did quite a bit of conference travel this year, which should easily count toward a professional expense. Although it was not required, it's by and large expected - and, unfortunately, not fully reimbursed.
Does anyone know if, for the purpose of a tax deduction, it matters when I spent the money or when the conference took place?
For example, for a conference in January I'd be billed for the first night in the hotel in 2011, but for the remainder of the stay not until 2012. Plane tickets and conference fees would also be charged in 2011, even though the actual conference is not until 2012. Similarly, I've now paid for conferences in 2013...
Also, are emailed receipts (e.g. of a plane ticket order) generally sufficient to make the deduction, or do I need some other paperwork?
How do I deal with trips that were partially reimbursed - where I paid the expense upfront and got it reimbursed with the next paycheck? (I'm pretty sure no taxes were withheld from that reimbursement.)
Thinking about the mess that is itemization, I'm pretty sure I'll end up getting a tax professional to do this for me. However, I'd at least like to make sure I have the paperwork in order and not look entirely foolish.
Does anyone know if, for the purpose of a tax deduction, it matters when I spent the money or when the conference took place?
For example, for a conference in January I'd be billed for the first night in the hotel in 2011, but for the remainder of the stay not until 2012. Plane tickets and conference fees would also be charged in 2011, even though the actual conference is not until 2012. Similarly, I've now paid for conferences in 2013...
Also, are emailed receipts (e.g. of a plane ticket order) generally sufficient to make the deduction, or do I need some other paperwork?
How do I deal with trips that were partially reimbursed - where I paid the expense upfront and got it reimbursed with the next paycheck? (I'm pretty sure no taxes were withheld from that reimbursement.)
Thinking about the mess that is itemization, I'm pretty sure I'll end up getting a tax professional to do this for me. However, I'd at least like to make sure I have the paperwork in order and not look entirely foolish.
