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Thread: finding a tax accountant in the Bay Area

  1. #1
    Veteran Member tennisqt's Avatar
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    finding a tax accountant in the Bay Area

    First--sorry if this post is a bit confusing. So I just started dancing this year and I know that filing isn't for another year, but i was wondering what I can write off and how I can find an accountant familiar with filing for dancers?
    For anyone that lives in the Bay Area, would they like to recommend an accountant? I've read on different posts that some people file four times a year....do I need to do that? Also, how much money do you set aside from your earnings each night for taxes (i.e. 20%)?

    My manager at the club told me to save my receipts because I should be able to write off:

    -makeup
    -manicures
    -pedicures
    -waxing
    -dance classes/seminars
    -shoes
    -outfits
    -gas

    However, I don't travel for work, so I don't see how I can write off gas. For those of you that have filed before, what have you successfully been able to write off?

    Any advice would be great. Thank you!
    "Maybe some women aren't meant to be tamed. Maybe they're supposed to run wild until they find someone, just as wild, to run with." -Sex and the City

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    Default Re: finding a tax accountant in the Bay Area

    Great question! I filed for the first time this year, and I wrote off alot of stuff. I just went down to H&R block, i dunno if I was charged right or not. I would love to have an accountant that knew the biz, tricks etc...
    My taxes were 10% of my reported income, It was pretty easy to come up with but I would recommend saving anyways.
    I look forward to the responses on this thread...

  3. #3
    Veteran Member tennisqt's Avatar
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    Default Re: finding a tax accountant in the Bay Area

    I went to the H&R Block this year too, but I wasn't dancing last year, so everything was pretty straight forward. I paid the H&R Block $100. Lola85--what did you write off?
    "Maybe some women aren't meant to be tamed. Maybe they're supposed to run wild until they find someone, just as wild, to run with." -Sex and the City

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    Default Re: finding a tax accountant in the Bay Area

    I paid them 300. my tax guy seemed enamored with the whole 'dancer' thing so he wasn't much help. off the top of my head I could think of makeup, costumes, hair and school stuff. I could have added more, but now I know.

  5. #5
    AudreyLeigh
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    Default Re: finding a tax accountant in the Bay Area

    From VG -

    Id do 50% for these
    -makeup
    -manicures
    -pedicures
    -waxing

    Id do 100% of shoes and clothes

    Mileage:



    Probably not is the census.

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    God/dess Zofia's Avatar
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    Default Re: finding a tax accountant in the Bay Area

    Quote Originally Posted by tennisqt View Post
    I've read on different posts that some people file four times a year....do I need to do that?
    If you are self employeed, you will need to file quarterly estimates.

    Also, how much money do you set aside from your earnings each night for taxes (i.e. 20%)?
    It depends. I used to set aside one third of each night's take for taxes. But, I was single and had no dependents.

    My manager at the club told me to save my receipts because I should be able to write off:

    -makeup
    -manicures
    -pedicures
    -waxing
    -dance classes/seminars
    -shoes
    -outfits
    -gas

    However, I don't travel for work, so I don't see how I can write off gas. For those of you that have filed before, what have you successfully been able to write off?
    Gas, oil, maintenance, interest on the car loan, insurance, tags, use tax and/or sales tax are all theoretically deductible. BUT, don't plan on it unless you use your care exclusively in the trade or business AND have another car for personal transportation. There are various threads on the mileage deduction. But, the short answer is, if you dance at one club, don't think about deducting mileage. You are commuting.

    My rule for deducting makeup, is to buy it from a theatrical supplier and make sure you write a check with the memo line saying theatrical makeup. There is a tax case that specifically says theatrical makeup is deductible. Makeup bought at even Macy's or Dillard's probably won't survive the housewife test. The same applies to costumes. Make sure you pay with a check and make sure the memo line says costumes. Given today's fashion, a lot of what we wear in the club might pass the housewife test, or at least the teenager test.

    Once you are established as a stripper, classes are deductible expenses. But, if you are going to a class to learn to be a stripper, the cost is not deductible.

    HTH
    Z

    Disclosure under IRS Circular 230: To insure compliance with recently released Internal Revenue Rules, this communication was not written or intended to be relied on to avoid federal tax related penalties or for promoting, marketing or recommending to any party any tax related matters addressed herein.

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    Veteran Member tennisqt's Avatar
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    Default Re: finding a tax accountant in the Bay Area

    thanks for all of the advice!
    "Maybe some women aren't meant to be tamed. Maybe they're supposed to run wild until they find someone, just as wild, to run with." -Sex and the City

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    God/dess britneyireland's Avatar
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    Default Re: finding a tax accountant in the Bay Area

    To answer the question: "What have you Successfully written off"

    This is the worksheet I gave out at the Exotic Dancer MBA Workshop last week.

    SuperStripper Tax Organizer

    Income: Any W2, 1099, Planner/Logbook of earnings, All monthly Bank Checking Account Statements, Interest statements from savings accounts, Alimony, Child Support, Unemployment, Gambling, Government Assistance

    House Fees-keep receipts/logbook for stage fee, DJ Fee, Housemom Fee, Makeup Artist Fee, Security Fee, VIP Host Fee, Club Merchandise Fees

    Costumes: Wig/Hair Extensions, Cosmetics, Nails, Tanning, Gstrings, Shoes, Gowns, Dresses, Lingerie

    Medical: Personal Trainer, Massage Therapy, Chiropractic, out of pocket receipts

    Travel: airfare, hotel, rental car, meal receipts

    Office: cell telephone, computer, high speed internet connection, planner pages, business license

    Music: Ipod, speakers, downloaded music receipts

    Car: Lease or Loan Payments, Mileage Log, maintenance records, registration paperwork. You can deduct the tax on vehicle registration and annual depreciation of your car if you own it or make loan payments.

    Mortgage: File Monthly Mortgage statements here. End of year Mortgage Interest Statement

    Charity: GIVE! Make donations to your favorite charity and file the receipt

    Accountants CAN work across statelines if you are organized enough. My guy has done entertainment taxes for 28 years, only had 14 total audits and was correct each time. He is based in Phoenix.
    Rebecca Avalon







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    Veteran Member tennisqt's Avatar
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    Default Re: finding a tax accountant in the Bay Area

    britneyireland--

    i have a quick question for you...does it matter what form you make the payment in (i.e. check, credit card, etc.)? oh and how do i sign up for the workshop?

    thanks for all of the advice!
    "Maybe some women aren't meant to be tamed. Maybe they're supposed to run wild until they find someone, just as wild, to run with." -Sex and the City

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    God/dess britneyireland's Avatar
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    Default Re: finding a tax accountant in the Bay Area

    The IRS just wants the check to clear No, it doesn't matter what form you make the payment. I do suggest you mail it with delivery confirmation so you know it didn't get lost in the mail. You can also efile and pay online.

    The workshop was last week. Check http://edmba.starlight-ministries.org/ periodically for when I'm doing the next one. Shoot me a PM if you have any ?s
    Rebecca Avalon







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    Default Re: finding a tax accountant in the Bay Area

    ((bump))

    anyone know a good tax accountant in the bay area?

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