tax write-offs for mileage??

[idoitforthepong]

I will be going to a local community college that does free tax prep for low income earners (<50k). I hear that people are writing off their mileage but from what i read on the IRS website i'm not sure if that would apply to me. I think you have to declare the car for use for a business do get reimbursement and any driving to clinics is considered commuting cost and NOT reimbursed. Or am i wrong on this? Is there a distance requirement?

Either way i have mad a spreadsheet of my number of visits to clinics and mileage along with toll costs and will bring to the college to see what if any help i get with that. Will i need any other "proof" such as informed consents with dates of studies and addresses? i don't have any gas receipts other than on credit card statements.

also do certain states reimburse too or just federal taxes?

thanks...any advice will be greatly appreciated.

[vark]

for those of us who do studies regularly, we are considered selfemployed, and mileage is an expense that can be deducted from gross. there's a standard rate per mile, i forget how much, you can use turbotax or taxhawk free online to rough it out.
for those who only do a study now and then, it can be listed as "other income", and expenses can be deducted as well.