Top Tax Deductions for Pilots and Flight Attendants

Pilots and flight crew members tirelessly soar through the skies to ensure our journeys are smooth and enjoyable. Despite being 35,000 feet above the ground, they're not forgotten by the IRS and Uncle Sam when it comes to paying taxes. Continue reading as we dive into some of the key tax deductions for pilots and tax write-offs for flight attendants.

Pilot Tax Deductions

Travel Expenses

This includes hotel rooms, meals, and incidental expenses while away from your tax home. For example, if a pilot has to layover in a different city, the cost of the hotel and meals during that layover can be deducted from their taxes. The IRS sets standard per diem rates for these types of expenses.

Uniforms

The cost of purchasing and maintaining required uniforms can be deducted. This can include flight suits, epaulets, hats, and insignia, as well as costs for cleaning and maintaining these items.

Professional Dues

Membership dues for professional organizations and unions may be deductible. For example, dues paid to the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) or other professional aviation organizations could be deducted.

Training Costs

Any mandatory training required by the employer or law/regulation to maintain professional status is considered tax deductible. A few examples could be simulator training, aircraft-type rating courses, or training to keep up with new aviation regulations.

Equipment

Items necessary to perform the job such as luggage, headsets, GPS, flight bags, etc. If a pilot buys a high-quality aviation headset for better communication in the cockpit, this could be deductible.

Licensing and Medical Fees

Certain costs to maintain your professional status like medical examinations or license fees could be deductible. For instance, the cost of the FAA medical certificate, which is required for all pilots, could be a deductible expense.

Flight Attendant Tax Deductions

Travel Expenses

Similar to pilots, flight attendants can deduct costs for meals and lodging when traveling away from home. This may include the cost of meals during layovers, or hotel costs if the flight attendant has to stay overnight in a city that isn't their home base.

Uniforms

The cost of purchasing and cleaning uniforms not suitable for everyday wear is deductible. This might include the cost of flight attendant-specific attire, like uniform dresses, blazers, or shoes, as well as cleaning costs for these uniforms.

Professional Dues

Union dues and membership fees for professional organizations may be deductible. For example, if a flight attendant is a member of the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA), their membership dues could be deductible.

Training Costs

Any costs related to maintaining or improving job skills, including attending seminars and training courses. This might include courses on customer service, safety procedures, or other job-specific skills.

Licensing and Medical Fees

Fees related to maintaining your professional status can be deductible. For flight attendants, this might include regular medical check-ups required to keep their certification.

Equipment

Required items for the job such as luggage, certain personal care items for overnight stays, etc. This might include carry-on luggage that meets specific airline standards, or travel-sized personal care items required for overnight stays.

Work With a Professional Accountant to Maximize Your Deductions

Navigating the tax landscape can be complex for pilots and flight attendants considering the unique nature of their profession. Ever-changing tax laws make it difficult to maximize your tax-saving opportunities. This is where partnering with 1-800Accountant for your small business taxes, and tax advisory can simplify this process. We ensure you benefit from every possible tax deduction and stay compliant with IRS regulations.