Forced Per Diem... Theft?

Wasn't being rude, was mearly making a comment... Sorry but text and typing doesn't allow for voice inflection and facial expressions.

I don't live on 31k, I was using it only for an example. My YTD actually reflects less than 25k...much less. I took 2 months earlier this year, to find a job.

But I have no debt Insurance, utilities, and property taxes average about $350 a month. The rest is gravy. Yes, I live in America

Life gets MUCH better/easier when you get to zero on your debt levels.

Just to toot my own horn. I can actually get by on less than $300 a week....even if my wife doesn't work.

I won't be going out, won't be saving anything. But I will be getting by. OH yeh, almost forgot...I'm one of those kook jobs you read about. I have about a years supply of food, stock piled. Just in case.

 

There is another angle to per diem that I haven't seem mentioned.

You are allowed to claim 75% of $52 a day. That is about $40 per day for every day and now partial day you are away from home.

Just for conversations sake, lets say that your company pays you 6 cents per mile perdiem. If my math is correct, you would have to drive 666 miles to earn your $40. On the days you drive less than that you earn less toward your maximum per diem and on reset days or days where you sit around waiting for a load you earn nothing toward your per diem.

It isn't a dollar for dollar wash because per diem is a deduction, not a tax credit. But, there is still deductable dollars that are not considered. Of course this just makes an apples to apples comparrison more impossible.

 

No problem...

One thing for certain, debt free is cool. I have two high school friends (that I know of) who have paid off their mortgages. But, they have both lived in their houses for more than thirty years. Moving around in the military for 23 years I don't have that luxury. But being otherwise debt free is still a good thing. If I could sell the house in Arizona I would be a happier camper. I don't care much for being a landlord. Although it is nice at tax time.

As you can see by my last post, I am thinking less and less of per diem programs, at least for me.

 

You can actually figure the per diem up at tax filing, and make neccesary adjustments if your employer didn't get the numbers correct.

I'm currently on per diem, company policy. But a simple search will reveal my opinions on it, I hate it with a passion. The loses are tremendous for someone wanting to plan for their future. A younger guy would be okay, for awhile.

That said, it also helps a divorced man/woman avoid higher child support. Many companies use this as a selling point during orientation.

Per diem simply blows IMHO.

 

Did you ever talk to a tax or financial planner about your per diem options? For some people it works out well, it is a case by case situation.

In my case while OTR it worked out well, my wife has a well paying job (50K+) and while driving I was making net 40K+. We both have 401K's and our own retirement funds. I did consult my tax planner before taking the option.

Mark

 

Danc,
do your pay statements provide enough info to make the adjustment or do you track the number of qualified days throughout the year, multiply by $40 and subtract the difference?

In a slightly different direction, do you keep receits for all your other tax deductibles and claim them at the end of the year? I think this could add up to a pretty tidy sum.

 

I responded to this about an hour or so ago. Where that post went...is beyond my pay grade. But yes I have, my baby sister is a CPA.

People often ignore good financial advise. Case in point my oldest sister, who refuses to utilize the "per diem" deduction. And allows the IRS to simply keep her money every year. Even after my baby sister and I ride her ### about it.

Which is really surprising, since my oldest sister is really good with money. Or not, depending on how you view the situation.

I simply keep copies of my log books, and note the number of days I can take the credit for. And compare the final numbers when I'm forced to take the per diem.

I used to track every detail of my expenses. Not so much now, I keep all big ticket receipts though. My OTR expenses have dropped substantially over the years. And I rarely meet the minimums for many additional deductions. Although I do claim as many deductions as can be found.

Semi free laptops are getting rather common place at my house

 

Are those laptops where the cost was partially covered or ones that have never been in a truck?!!!!!

 

Every laptop I own has been on a truck. And they all have PC*Miler, Delorme w/GPS, and Rand McNally software on them.

Of course, they don't stay ON the truck 100% of the time. But they are used.

Now if I could just figure out how to write the cost of that tower off.

 

Not hard to do! I did! If in a Freightliner remove all the crap out from under the desk and drawer where the tray for a refrigerator is and remove it also. In the FL. cut a piece of plywood that fits the spot where there are 4 upwards pointing tray holders on the inside wall I THINK 17"x 19" is about the size that you need to cut. This is where you will mount the inverter (if truck doesn't have one) and the plywood will keep the tower secure against the wall of the hutch! Run the battery cables out through the plug under the carpet at the back of the hutch and run to the trucks battery. The monitor you put on the desk. pull the piece of carpet up (it's stuck down with double sided tape But keep it for when you get out of the truck!) and use Velcro to the bottom of the monitor.

Peterbuilt:The tower goes in the passenger side closet and mount the inverter under the bunk in the passenger side box.Monitor in the TV's spot! Who need it anymore! Go HuLu!