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Tax Deductibility of TAM Registration

mandydax

New Blood
M
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Oct 5, 2008
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I went to TAM8 last year and I might be itemizing my deductions. I know the JREF is a charity for tax purposes, and the Season of Reason donation is deductible minus the value of the ornament I got, but my question is whether any of the registration fees for TAM qualify as a charitable donation, and if so, how much? I know I received the folder, the lanyard with the USB drive on, the Hubble astrophotographs, and quite nice catering, which are tangible value. I consider the presentations and events well worth the price of admission, but also would like to get a bit of a break on my taxes if it qualifies. Does anyone know?

ETA: I'm not actually going to be itemizing this year, so it doesn't make a difference to me, but it might be good to know for future reference and for others with the same question
 
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According to the IRS, no. The price you paid is the value of the benefit you got, so there's nothing to deduct. See IRS Publication 526.

"If you pay a qualified organization more than fair market value for the right to attend a charity ball, banquet, show, sporting event, or other benefit event, you can deduct only the amount that is more than the value of the privileges or other benefits you receive. If there is an established charge for the event, that charge is the value of your benefit."
 
There are a few other ways you might be able to deduct it, depending on your circumstances. It's just not a charitable contribution as the IRS defines them. There are circumstances under which you can deduct educational expenses even if you don't have a business. The basic test is whether the expenses were related to "maintaining and/or improving" skills reasonably related to your current trade or job. (Arguing that your trade requires "critical thinking skills" would be a stretch, IMO.)
 
That's how I understand the tax code too, JoelKatz. You also can't deduct the value of your time if you help a charity.

I can't imagine how difficult it might be to defend an educational deduction against an IRS audit.
 
Thanks for the replies, everyone. I kind of figured it was the case, but didn't know for sure.
 
I'm glad I found this thread. I'm working on my taxes, and I am self-employed, so I'm technically my own business. I'm pondering if TAM registration, lodging, and travel could be deducted as an educational expense. The "E" in JREF is "Educational". ;)
 
crocofish said:
I'm glad I found this thread. I'm working on my taxes, and I am self-employed, so I'm technically my own business. I'm pondering if TAM registration, lodging, and travel could be deducted as an educational expense. The "E" in JREF is "Educational". ;)
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Ask your accountant. I think relying on any answer from this forum is very risky.
 
I only used the forum for inspiration to research it further. I went directly to the IRS publications, and they have specific examples of what is and is not deductible. I concluded that I couldn't justify deducting the conference.
 
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