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* If you have 1 job, you cannot deduct commuting costs because it is considered a personal expense, not a business expense.

* If you have 2 jobs or 2 places of business, you can deduct the cost of traveling from the frist one to the second one. 

* If you claim home office deductions for a home-based business, you can deduct the cost of going to and from home to another business location or a job since the home is also a business location. Hint: keep excellent mileage records.

*  The mileage rate for 2008 taxes is 50.5 cents for the first half of 2008 and 58.5 for the second half. Hint: You’d be surprised how quickly that adds up and can help reduce your taxes. Using the standard mileage rate is usually easier than keeping track of all your expenses. It’s OK if the standard mileage rate exceeds your actual expenses. Hint: put aside some of the deducted amount in your Car Repair account because you’re “using up” your car.

* Parking fees and tolls you pay for business use are deductible. Hint: record these expenses in your mileage log. 

* The expenses of using a leased car for business can be deducted using the standard mileage rate.

* Employees claim business travel and other business expenses on Schedule A. List first on Form 2106 or 2106-EZ. Expenses must exceed 2% of Adjusted Gross Income. Hint: If you don’t itemize your deductions, you won’t be able to claim any unreimbursed business expenses. 

* Business owners claim their travel and business expenses on Schedule C and subtract them from Gross Revenue. They will reduce your profit and both income and self-employment (Social Security and Medicare) taxes.

Please check with your tax preparer as your situation may be different than described.