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Permalink Reply by John Crabbe on December 9, 2009 at 1:49am

I guess it depends because I have heard it both ways too. There is an accountant who does returns for many FF's who is well versed in deductions and so forth of the job and has taken deductions for meals. I went to him a couple years and will look back at the returns, but there wasn't a line item just for meals, it was in with FF expenses. (uniforms, professional publications, etc) We pay $8/day and that is what he put in.

On the flip I also heard of some guys who state that can't be deducted because you could still bring in your own food etc.

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Permalink Reply by Jason Brooks on December 9, 2009 at 4:49pm

My father is a CPA and we have asked thi svery question. He found a statute that basically stated that if you have a kitty that everyone is in, you can claim that. He generally gives us $5 a day. I am sure it will go up to $6 this year, that is what we charge for dinner every shift.

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Permalink Reply by Doug on December 9, 2009 at 5:58pm

I was given a food "allowance" when I worked that shift, so I don't know, sorry.

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Permalink Reply by FETC on December 10, 2009 at 5:25pm

Yes the court case Sibla references when you have a food expense deducted by your EMPLOYER (not the union or voluntary kitty funds), even though you may not eat the meals provided from the "department kitty" it is tax deductible.

Not many fire department's I know are allowing the city of town to deduct the kitty fund from their paychecks officially. Most are voluntary - you pay after you get paid to the kitty or the union. Now I heard a FL department is trying to get their city to start deducting instead of having a voluntary kitty fund to claim the tax break.

You see if it is voluntary kitty fund it is NOT deductible.

I know guys who go to a very well known tax company who advertise on national tv, that allow per diem tax deductions, but they also guarantee if you get audited, they will cover the first couple of thousands of dollars if the taxes are wrong... Guys are fleeing to them but I still haven't seen a ruling or court case that says we can deduct for voluntary kitty funds...

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Permalink Reply by Ron on January 31, 2010 at 10:10am

if you work 24 hr shifts you are allowed to deduct per shift. It falls under IRS publication 1542. The amount you are allowed to deduct depends on your location. I am allowed to clam 44$ per 24 hr shift. Here is a link that will help you figure what your deduction is. http://www.irs.gov/publications/p1542/ar02.html#en_US_publink100098051
If you didn't clam for last year I believe you still can. I'm not sure how but your tax rep will know. Hope this helps. Take care and be safe

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