Mileage

[charelleRN]

This year I started working for a home health agency that does not reimburse for mileage and pays per visit. My accountant said to keep track of mileage. In previous positions that reimbursed, the mileage started from the office to the first patient even if you did not go to the office. Is this appropriate to document this way even if you are not going to the office for tax purposes? Or should you track exactly how you travel (from first patient to second, etc). TIA!!

[OldDude]

Especially since you are basically contract labor, record from your driveway to your drive way and every other expense associated with the course and scope of your visits; vehicle expenses, office supplies, part of your cell phone, part of your auto insurance, etc, etc.

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

This year I started working for a home health agency that does not reimburse for mileage and pays per visit. My accountant said to keep track of mileage. In previous positions that reimbursed, the mileage started from the office to the first patient even if you did not go to the office. Is this appropriate to document this way even if you are not going to the office for tax purposes? Or should you track exactly how you travel (from first patient to second, etc). TIA!!

This is generally correct. Unless you have a home office. The first leg of your drive is commuting and not deductible. Why don't you believe your accountant who would be required to explain what he advised in the event of an audit?

Publication 463 (215), Travel, Entertainment, Gift, and Car Expenses

Simple explained

Mileage Deduction 11: Everything You Need to Know About Deducting Mileage for Business - MileIQ