Travel expenses

[jerryb282]

Travel expense deduction.

1. Client lives in Illinois.

2. Sold condo in Florida.

3. Not a rental property. Personal use only.

4. Is auto, lodging, and food expenses incurred to attend closing in Florida deductible?

5. If so on what tax form?

[Just-Lisa-Now-]

why would personal expenses be a tax deduction?

[jerryb282]

The expenses are for the travel to sell the real estate.  Maybe a selling expense?

[qbteachmt]

You describe this is personal property. Not business and not investment. Are you aware of any provision (not asking by tax form, but by regulation) that provides for writing this off as an expense, as a personal life event?

[jerryb282]

The property was purchased without any decision if it would be used personally or sold.  It was remodeled, never lived in and sold in nine months.  I am filing as a short-term capital, and not sure if I can deduct the travel as part of the selling expenses.  Any suggestions?

[qbteachmt]

"Any suggestions?"

Get the story straight.

You already stated:

"3. Not a rental property. Personal use only."

Now you stated:

"without any decision if it would be used personally or sold."

You use Facts. No one can help when the story keeps changing.

If this was Flipped, then you have to determine if this is Income or Capital Gain, for one thing.