But unless you are meticulous about keeping your receipts and thinking about your business, you may miss many small deductions that can really add up by the end of the year. For instance, think about your car. You probably try to keep track of the mileage you drive your car for business appointments. But do you also keep track of the mileage you drive to the bank, to the post office, or to the office supply store? These miles can really add up. You should also consider how you can make regular errands into business trips.

For instance, you stop by your local Chinese take-out to pick up lunch. Take some flyers and business cards with you. Ask the business owner if you can post the flyers or if he can pass out the cards for you. PRESTO! A regular errand to pick up lunch has just turned into a business deduction. Your “purpose” to visit that business was to explore a new advertising avenue. You just happened to pick up lunch while you were there. See how easy it can be?

Because it’s easier, most small business owners just take the standard mileage deduction. But in some instances, it makes more sense to deduct your actual expenses, especially if you start your business while driving an older car which needs some bigger maintenance expenses during the year. You should consider keeping track of these other expenses so you can compare your tax deduction:
– gasoline
– oil changes, air filters
– anti-freeze
– radiator flush & fill
– windshield wipers
– windshield washer fluid
– tire rotation
– carwash
– license plates
– driver’s license renewal
– insurance
– parking
– tolls
– car rentals
– taxis and chauffeurs
– damage to auto not covered by insurance
– tires
– tire rotation
– if your car is used solely for business, car payments and depreciation
– car repairs

Now, each cost would be deductible in the same percentage as the percentage of business usage vs. personal usage.

Since every business is different, make sure you check with your tax preparer or attorney to make sure the expense is appropriate for your situation. But keep those receipts! If you don’t, you may pay too much in taxes.

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The advantage of renting a party bus is that one can move from one place to another easily without worrying about driving and safety issues. This is because most of these come with chauffeur services. Most party limos have limousine features that are reliable hallmarks of success such as AM/FM stereos, a CD player, upgraded seats, luggage partitions, laser lights, on-board restroom and power window locks Whether one needs a party bus for a corporate trip, bachelor or bachelorette party, they can always rent out a party bus which comes in different shapes and styles and let the professional drivers do their job. Renting a party limo saves one the headache of arranging for transportation later on in the night.

A party bus can be rented for a day, week or month. A party bus that is hired for more than a day is charged a daily rate or mileage rate. Chauffeur tips and overnight sleeping arrangements are not included in the price. Reservations for a party bus need to be made as quickly as possible especially during the summer. Sometimes a deposit is necessary to make a reservation and is usually applied to ones overall charge.

When hiring a party bus from party bus rentals, one should ask a number of questions and make sure they fully comprehend all deposits and costs. Research should be carried out about party bus rentals and their policies incase a breakdown or accident occurs. Evidence for liability insurance must be obtained and one should ensure that the party bus has an operating license. Tour bus and party limo operators must have their licenses registered and displayed on their vehicles. It is important to know the number of passengers the party bus can hold. Having completed ones research on party bus rentals and the services they offer one can easily pick a party bus that meets his or her needs.

It is necessary for anyone who experiences problems when trying to obtain the best party bus to do earlier planning and seek out help from executives of party bus rentals. These executives will ensure that the party bus rentals offer efficient and quality services. Their profound experience and knowledge in handling party transport will ensure that a party bus travel goes smoothly.

It is very important to correctly estimate how long one will use the party bus for billing purposes. Most Party bus rentals will require this information to bill upfront. Others may require that the bill be paid at the end of the night. In both cases, time must be properly managed to avoid additional penalties for late returns. It is essential to note that most party bus rentals have party buses and limos for every occasion and therefore they come in handy.

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Sit back and unwind as people in the streets turn their heads to your direction. Be proud as they try to gaze at the back of your window and led them wondering who the VIP is sitting in the backseat of that elegant stretch limo. Whether you are taking your girlfriend to a date or dinner, or treating your group of friends to a nightclub anywhere in New York, there are a number of best NYC limo services options, leading you to the most memorable experience of a journey, letting you enjoy the course of a night out.

A limousine, known for its unusual length, has become the luxury cars of choice for different events. Its a vehicle most commonly driven by chauffeurs. A limousine ride has already bridged its gap from being exclusive to the wealthy to ordinary persons alike, through the establishment of limo services.

Limousine services provide its clients a transportation service that defines luxury, style, and safety, embodying features of prompt, courteous service, lavish limo features, and reliable transportation. Limousines extra features include the following: air-conditioning and climate control systems, entertainment equipment (video, computer and stereo systems), tinted windows and plush leather upholstery.

There are a wide variety of limousines which are available for rent: Luxury sedans, which is also called Lincoln Town Cars, Van Limousine such as Excalibur, Bentley, Jaguar, Rolls Royce, Phantom and Escalad Cadillac limousines. Limousines can accommodate six persons stretch limo), eight persons (super stretch limo) or up to ten persons (super double stretch limo).

Limo services provide transportation to a variety of industries: business meetings, executive transportations, airport car service, weddings, proms, anniversaries, concerts, bachelor/bachelorette parties, birthdays, graduations, athletic events, golf outings, business meetings, dinners, sport events, tours and other professional and friendly events alike.

With stretch limo rentals availability, it has fulfilled the brides and grooms dream of an unforgettable wedding, to make them feel like Kings and Queens for their most special day. And that of a young girls taking the step to womanhood, as she really aspires to make over her supposed bland birthday party to an impressive debut celebration.

Limousine chauffeurs have to embody good customer service. They must know the city very well to assure that the clients will arrive at their destination quickly. He must know the fastest, safest routes to avoid problem areas, accidents and traffic situations. At its very best, chauffeurs must be multilingual, to cater to the variety of customers.

Limo services must also be assured of proper insurances that will cover its clients from damages and injuries just in case if an accident happens.

A limo service however has to be worthy of its price by adhering to a number of factors. First, it must practice strict punctuality so that the client would not miss the event such as an important corporate meeting. Second, it must also submit to its promise, like the promise of an arrival of a latest model of limo.

For more information, check out this site on limo services.

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The bus limousines rentals offer Professional chauffeurs on request who ensure that the party has gone as expected. Before hiring a limousine bus for whatever use, one should inquire with the limousine hiring company whether they have a back-up limousine incase of breakdowns. A person should also check for prove of license from the limousine company in order to a void hiring a limousine whose company has no legal mandate to offer such services. This also helps a person recognize companies that could be operating on expired licenses. When renting a limousine bus in Toronto, it is wise to check for an insurance proof. In case of an accident a varied insurance cover would mean that, the insurance company caters for the passengers medical expenses. Before confirming a bus limousine rental, it is wise to confirm if the company has any pending complaints from passengers. If the pending complaints portray the limousine company as undependable, then a person can always look for other alternative bus limousine rentals.

Some Bus limousine rentals have special packages for events like weddings and corporate outings. One should always check to ensure that they get the best deal. This includes not only the costs, but also the quality of the services offered. Clients are advised to check the bus limousine beforehand to ensure that the party limo is not from an old fleet. Clients are able to choose from a range of modern or exotic limos. Although it is hard to get cheap limos, limo companies offer affordable limo services, which target people with minimal budgets. Because of their size, bus limousines rentals are convenient for airport transfers where large groups of people are traveling together. Such travels are hassle-free, timely and comfortable. The culture of bus limousine rental also ensures that chauffeurs assigned to drive the buses offer reliable, timely and safe services to clients.

Bus limousine rentals are also convenient for funerals. This is because they are able to accommodate a large number of people. Limousine companies have trained their chauffeurs to transport mourners with sensitivity and compassion during such times. People prefer bus limousine rentals because no matter what the size of the party, function, occasion or distance, the party limo accommodates the entire group in comfort and luxury, qualities that no cheap party bus can offer.

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Annual income now over 500m, with 442 branches and over 2m policies.

Swinton Group, the UK’s biggest High Street insurance chain, today purchased the high street insurance intermediary business Budget Retail from the Budget Group.

The deal continues the growth strategy of Swinton, giving the company an annual income of more than 500m and consolidating its position as a leading UK insurance intermediary.

Swinton’s existing 350 high street branches (including those of its brand Colonnade, acquired in 2002) are now joined by 92 Budget branches offering home insurance, car insurance, travel insurance, pet insurance and most other forms of personal and life cover.

The Budget Retail brand will be maintained for 12 months, after which the branches will trade under one of the Swinton brands.

Patrick Smith, Chief Executive of Swinton, says: “This deal means that we have over three times the national coverage of our nearest competitor. We are within easy reach of almost everyone in the UK. This gives us a huge advantage over our major competitors who only offer telephone or internet contact.”

“Research shows that when customers need assistance with their insurance impersonal interactive voice response is strongly disliked by most people. Our professional teams, working right across the UK, give us a great opportunity to capitalise on our personal service operated through local branches either face to face or on the telephone. Our successful growth has shown the clear benefits of providing this personal service.”

All Budget branch staff will remain employed by Swinton. The total number of Swinton employees is now 3,000, made up of staff working in the branches, call centres and head office functions.

As part of the deal Swinton will also take over Budget’s taxi and motor-home units based in Warrington and Coventry respectively.

Around 230,000 policies will be added to the Swinton database and the combined operation will hold more than 2m insurance policies.

Patrick Smith added: “We have strategic plans to continue this growth and enhance our current business capabilities by increasing our customer base through further improvements in direct marketing, increasing our diversification of product and enhancing the relationship between our branches and our online business.

“We intend to keep all the new branches open as we believe that Budget’s coverage is complementary to our existing network and the increased capacity will allow Swinton Group to handle our planned growth and further service our customers’ requirements.

“Our model has great capacity for expansion and we intend to take on the giants of our industry and show that, by caring more for our customers, we can become the leading provider in the personal insurance market.”

Last year Swinton had a gross premium income of 440m and expects premium income to grow to more than 600m next year following today’s purchase. The company has made over 250 broker acquisitions during the past five years.

Cobbetts LLP acted as legal advisors and Swinton received advice from Ernst & Young.

For more information and for interviews with Swinton Chief Executive Patrick Smith, contact Andrew Spinoza or Jaime Markey at SKV PR 0161 236 9909,

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Predominantly, those businesses that use GPS tracking tools are in someway related to transport or transportation, even those who have a large fleet of vehicles out on jobs. For instance, contractors such as plumbers and electricians use GPS devices to know the whereabouts of workers; in the same way taxi and limo companies also use these tracking tools. In fact any company that has operatives out on the road will make use of a GPS system, whether running a linen business, or a haulage company, the benefits that GPS can bring are huge.

But how does GPS tracking work? Fundamentally it includes placing a GPS device into the vehicle and connecting this device to a central server, where a coordinator uses software to track vehicles. With the use of satellites it is possible from the HQ to track any fleet vehicle’s speed, location and direction. This real time tracking relies on updates every couple of minutes giving information that is valuable and useful to the manager. The software normally uses the internet to track vehicles; after the operator logs into an online account he or she is able to see the locations of all of their vehicles on a map, vital in industries such as haulage where real time information is extremely valuable.

The reasons companies choose to employ GPS tracking systems are wide and diverse. One of the major appeals is that by having information on the way your employees drive it is possible to reduce speeding and hence reduce the cost of insurance premiums and maintenance of vehicles. The information given on mileage also means that routine check ups and maintenance procedures will not be forgotten or missed; meaning that when it comes to resale, the vehicle will ultimately be worth more. An added bonus is that the majority of insurance companies will reduce premiums by as much as thirty percent just for installing a GPS system; the main reason for this is due to the fact that an installed device makes it easier to find a stolen vehicle.

Increasing productivity is also a major benefit of installing GPS tracking tools. While it used to be hard to know when employees were on breaks when they were out on the road, technology has changed this situation. An efficient system will allow the operator to monitor how long employees are taking for lunch, will highlight any unscheduled breaks and also give valuable knowledge of overtime requests. While employees may feel it as an invasion of their privacy, it is worth reminding them that they are on company time and all you are doing is trying to increase efficiency.

A GPS tracking system will help you improve customer services by having information on the closest operative and how long it will take them to get to the destination precisely. In addition, you will have information on how long it took for the employee to reach the customer and how long they spent working with the customer, helping you with invoicing and guarding yourself against false claims. The system can be used to compare the productivity of employees, another benefit that will ultimately increase your efficiency.

While you may feel that GPS tracking tools are a considerable investment, the majority of those who have utilised them find that the investment is soon recouped by reducing expenses and increasing efficiency. Now the technology is there for you to have up to date information on your fleet at all times, it would be foolish not to employ a system sooner rather than later.

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However, bigotry aside, I have friends, mostly retired Navy and Marine Corps men and women, who bought homes in gringo communities along the Baja coast some 30 miles south of Tijuana. Some have been there for 15 years and more, and as they tell me, they are very happy to be living in Palm Beach or Malibu luxury at about one-twentieth of the costs. Also, while the wealthy on the American side of the border pay thousands of dollars a month for cleaning, cooking, chauffeuring and garden workers, the south-of-the-border gringos pay $100 a month for an entire family of service workers who do all those tasks just as efficiently.

Those gringos do most of their fruit, vegetable and poultry shopping in Mexico, and for luxury goods, they’re only a one-hour drive from the high-falutin’ shops of San Diego. For medical needs, they tell me Mexican doctors and pharmacies in Tijuana are more than adequate and inexpensive. However, because most of my friends are retired lifers, with 20 to 30 years of service each, if they need major medical or surgical treatment, they can go to Navy facilities in San Diego. Many belong to officers’ and NCO clubs at various military bases on the US side of the border, and do much of their socializing there. Because they also have commissary privileges, they can do some of their shopping at highly-discounted military retail stores.

For anyone contemplating retiring to Mexico, a good start would be to contact US citizens, such as retired military, friends, attorneys, physicians and other professionals who are already living in American enclaves and resort cities along the Pacific or Atlantic coasts, or in the major cities of Mexico. Some serious checking with US officialdom about the good and bad of living in a foreign country is a must. When you’ve decided on where you’ll buy or rent, visit the nearest American consulate or ambassador’s offices to discuss your plans, as well as learning about visas, passports, physical and legal protection and other information needed by all Americans living in Mexico.

Additionally, it is essential to be referred to reliable Mexican realtors, notary publics, attorneys, insurance,

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You could move lawn mowers, bags of garden soil, playground equipment, Christmas trees, musical instruments, furniture, big dogs from the groomers-you get the idea.

Starting this home business is easy. Make sure your vehicle is in good shape. Be sure your car insurance is up to date. You don’t want any trouble if your vehicle should get into a fender-bender.

Now, print up flyers advertising your business. Place the flyers in furniture stores, garden centers, grocery stores, laundromats, and wherever else you can find a bulletin board. College bulletin boards are prime hunting grounds for business. Also, place ads in your local newspaper.

Once your business takes off your customers will soon be telling their friends, “Hey, I know a guy with a van who will haul it”. Word of mouth is a priceless form of free advertising.

How much you should charge for your service depends on what you’re hauling and how far you have to haul it. You want to keep the price reasonable, or word will spread of your high prices and your customers will go elsewhere. Reasonable prices and friendly reliable service will build your hauling service fast.

Here’s another way to put your gas-guzzler to work: Start a grocery shopping service.

Your customers would call or fax their grocery order to the supermarket. Your customer gives you the money to pay for the groceries. You go to the store and pick up the order for your client.

The growing senior population would love this service. Make sure you place ads in the paper and flyers in supermarkets, laundromats, and senior citizen clubs.

Here’s one more way you can put your vehicle to work! If you have a safe driving record you could provide a taxi service for senior citizens and any latchkey kids who need to get to an after school activity.

You could charge five or six dollars per trip. Give your frequent travelers a break by offering a free ride after a certain numbers of trips.

It would be wise to provide the parents of any kids you transport proof you can be trusted. If the parents say it isn’t necessary then insist they check out your driving record, car insurance, and whether or not you have a criminal record. You are protecting yourself by doing this. Bad things happen. You don’t want to get caught in the crossfire.

Make sure your vehicle is comfortable and clean for your travelers. Have a fully outfitted first aid kit, a primed fire hydrant, and a toolbox in your car. Accidents do happen, people, even to the safest of drivers. You need to consider the safety of your passengers so insist everyone buckle up.

Prove to be a reliable and trustworthy taxi service and many other parents will soon have you shipping their kids to and from soccer practice.

Hauling furniture, grocery shopping, and a taxi service. You use your vehicle to do these chores for yourself all the time. Start making money doing them for others!

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The length of time you or your drivers have been driving taxis affect the policy. If you or one of your drivers is a first time taxi driver, this may mean your premiums will be higher. If, however, you or one of your drivers have been driving for a long time, then the premiums may be less as youre deemed a responsible and experienced driver. Similarly, if you or one of your drivers have driving convictions this will affect your policy. Being honest here is important, even if you think it will negatively impact your policy as mentioned above, if youre found to be dishonest and you try to make a claim, you may be denied. And youll be out of pocket not only your premium payments but also the cost of repairing your vehicle, other vehicles involved and any other damages to property or injuries to people.

By supplying the correct information, the insurance broker or agency you decide to go through can calculate the appropriate risks involved, and offer you a policy accordingly. If you lie about the upkeep of your vehicles, and then youre involved in an accident deemed to be your fault due to poor maintenance youll be denied the claim. If, however, youre honest about how often you get your vehicles serviced then when purchasing a policy this will be taken into account and your premiums and the payout you will receive in the event of a claim will be determined. Sure, you may pay more up front by way of premiums, but your claim wont be turned down in the unfortunate chance of an accident occurring.

If you are comparing quotes in order to obtain the best possible price for the best possible insurance policy, then you also need to be consistent in your information given to the agency or broker. You cannot possibly obtain accurate quote comparisons if you give different information to different agencies or brokers. Only by keeping your information consistent can you get an honest comparison so you can properly choose the right policy.

Something else to bear in mind is that taxi insurance premiums may be different to ordinary private car premiums this is because taxis are on the road more often and subjected to an increased risk of something happening. Statistically this is unavoidable. So it is best not to put on your policy that the car will be for private use in the hopes of obtaining a lesser premium again, your claim will be denied in the event of making one.

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The simplest solution to preparing the taxi driver accounts is to collect all the taxi receipts and expenses together, hand them over to an accountant who will prepare your self assessment tax return and might charge between 150 to 450 pounds for the privilege. That is taxing. Taxi driver accounts does not have to be that taxing. You can prepare your taxi driver accounts and self assessment tax return yourself but do something.

These taxi driver notes in preparing the taxi driver accounts and completing the self assessment tax return are to assist that process.

Mileage Allowances

Taxi drivers can claim as an alternative to vehicle running costs mileage allowances of 40p for the first 10,000 miles and 25p per mile thereafter. You may not claim mileage allowance and vehicle running costs. Should you choose to claim the mileage allowance then keep good records of mileage covered, purpose of journey.

Taxi Capital Allowances

If you bought a vehicle in the financial year 2007-08 and used the vehicle as a taxi you can claim a first year writing down tax allowance of 25% of the cost of the taxi, restricted to 3,000 pounds for vehicles costing over 12,000 pounds. On vehicles purchased in previous tax years you can claim 25% writing down allowance on the balance not yet claimed. Many taxis are bought and sold each year and where a taxi is sold the capital tax allowance that can be claimed is the difference between the written down value for tax purposes and the amount of sale proceeds. First year allowance on non vehicle assets in the current tax year 2007-08 is 50% for small businesses.

Taxis bought on Hire Purchase

Claim capital allowances on the original cost of the vehicle, interest and other charges count as business expenses and go in the self assessment tax return box 3.61 Other Finance Charges

Taxi Running Costs

When completing the self assessment tax return taxi drivers should enter fuel costs in box 3.46 cost of sales not motoring expenses. A standard check carried out by any competent inland revenue inspector enquiring into a self assessment tax return would be to check when the taxi driver was on holiday and examine if fuel receipts had been included for this period. Not many tax returns are enquired into as the system is based upon trust but taxi drivers should ensure their accounts do not contain this fundamental tax fiddle. Taxi running costs also include repairs, servicing and parts including tyres, road tax, taxi insurance and AA/RAC membership. Taxi administrative costs and expense items such as hiring the radio should be entered under general administration expenditure.

Household expenses

If you run your taxi business from home you can claim a proportion of household expenses as business expenses in the taxi accounts. Household expenses are likely to be disallowed unless they are either specific to the business or a specific area of your home is devoted entirely to your taxi business. Using part of a room part time would not be sufficient to include the household expenses in the taxi driver accounts.

Spouse Costs

You can claim expenses for partners who work for your taxi business and payments up to 100 pounds per week would not attract income tax or national insurance however any payments claimed in the taxi driver accounts must be real payments for real work done. As the claiming of a partner wages as a valid business expense is an area potentially open to abuse the Inland Revenue naturally take a strict view on such claims. Care is required to justify the partner as an expense.

Other Expenses

Enter all business expenses in a named expense box on the self assessment tax return. Avoid entries in box 3.63 Other Expenses if possible as any significant amounts in this box may give rise to an Revenue enquiry into the self assessment tax return.

The better and more detailed a taxi driver keeps records of incoem and expenditure throughout the year offers the best chance to pay the least taxxes at the end of that year. This is because with meticulous records every self employed taxi driver can then do the calculation of whether to claim mileage allowances ot vehicle running costs. Without good records the most tax efficient option cannot be made. The decision to claim mileage allowance or taxi running costs can and often does change during the financial year. In general when a more expensive taxi cab is purchased then the capital alloweance of 3,000 pounds will often outweigh the potential mileage allowance although if the vehicle is low value the mileage allowance might be the best option and a method of saving valuable tax pounds which you are entitled to. The best taxi accounting software will automate the comparison of taxi mileage allowances with taxi running costs doing the taxi accountants work for you.

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