IRS Mileage for RVs

[Mongobird]

For a business the DW operates, she wants to take a trip. Specifically in the RV, to a distant city for a trade show. I am looking for guidance anyone has on handling the vehicle costs.

$0.54 per mile is not reasonable for a Class A motorhome. Fuel alone would far exceed that.

I do not want to schedule the motorhome, and depreciate it.

Has anyone seen guidance on how to handle this kind of travel expense?

Presumably this type of expense will be sporadic. If not, her business can buy the next motorhome!

[rk911]

certainly no expert, here but I suspect that unless you declare the MH a business asset you're going to be limited to the IRS guideline of $0.54 p/m. if she was using a very fuel efficient vehicle or the worst gas guzzler it would still be $0.54 p/m. it's your choice what vehicle to use to travel to the trade show.

[Morich]

Since it is meant to be a "business trip".I would certainly let the business figure out how to pay the expenses! If the business is not making enough money topay expenses, most people are forced to stop!
Does the business seem to find enough value in the trade show to merit the expense of a motorhome versus flying and hotels, etc. Those questions seem to be a basic decision in the business world.
When I was traveling for business, I often figured what the travel would cost before bidding a job. Sometimes the expense was just not in the numbers and I did not do the trip.

[creativepart]

Like any home office expense write off, be very careful with writing off RV expenses as a business trip. I don't believe you'll find standard mileage expense charts for a motorhome.

Save all receipts and expense your actual expenses.

In past years this kind of thing could trigger an audit. But these days I doubt it would rise to that level.

[Mongobird]

Originally Posted by creativepart

Like any home office expense write off, be very careful with writing off RV expenses as a business trip. I don't believe you'll find standard mileage expense charts for a motorhome.

Save all receipts and expense your actual expenses.

In past years this kind of thing could trigger an audit. But these days I doubt it would rise to that level.

My take is to not treat it as an automobile expense, from a business mileage standpoint.

If it is treated as a trip expense, then fuel, any oil or other things bought, her campground fees (in lieu of hotel), tolls, parking, etc. just like a trip.

There would be no depreciation on the RV, because I don't want to do the paperwork for a short duration. But I suppose if she is gone for 2 weeks, I could prorate about 1/25th of the insurance as a travel expense.

I agree, keeping the financial evidence is necessary, and it has saved my bacon before.

[202235f]

Contact your CPA or tax attorney. That's what they do.

[jerichorick]

Originally Posted by Mongobird

For a business the DW operates, she wants to take a trip. Specifically in the RV, to a distant city for a trade show. I am looking for guidance anyone has on handling the vehicle costs.

$0.54 per mile is not reasonable for a Class A motorhome. Fuel alone would far exceed that.

I do not want to schedule the motorhome, and depreciate it.

Has anyone seen guidance on how to handle this kind of travel expense?

Presumably this type of expense will be sporadic. If not, her business can buy the next motorhome!

For our volunteer work we take fuel cost. If the rules have not changed you can take ether mileage or fuel.

[Ray,IN]

Originally Posted by 202235f

Contact your CPA or tax attorney. That's what they do.

When in doubt consult the experts. Internet advice is worth what the questioner paid.
I have read previous threads on this topic in past years, none had a good track record.