Had a taxi driver get out of his cab and abuse then spit in my face. Took a photo of his cab and taxi plate. Reported it to his taxi company and have made enquiries with the police and will be going in to make a formal complaint sometime today.
I want to sue this scum of a man that has made me feel filthy dirty and me worried about who knows what diseases he may be carrying. Can I make him have a blood test to ease my mind?
If you charge the general public a fee to provide a service then the public have the right to be protected by ensuring the driver is of above average standard as well as the car being to taxi standards.
Taxi drivers in the UK must fill in a self assessment tax return if they have worked as a self employed taxi driver at anytime during the financial tax year. Self assessment tax returns should be filed by 30th September each year although the final deadline is the following 31st January. Failing to file the taxi accounts by 31st January attracts a 100 pounds late filing penalty with interest being charged on any tax not paid by this date.
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 income and expenditure throughout the year offers the best chance to pay the least taxes 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 allowance 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.
By Justin DiMateo
Getting around in a City that you are not familiar with can be very intimidating if you do not have an idea of how to get to where you are trying to go. It can be very intimidating because you might be afraid of getting lost when you are trying to get somewhere or you might also be afraid that you will run into trouble along the way because you do not know which areas you will be traveling through on your way to your destination. These are just a few reasons why it can be a good idea to have some sort of a guide to get you to where you are trying to go because they will know the area and can get you to your destination safely.
If you are trying to get around in Los Angeles, a very large city with various and diverse neighborhoods there are many benefits to not only taking a taxi to help you through the city but there are also benefits of a bilingual taxi driver in LA. A few benefits first of all in hiring a taxi to get you where you want to go in LA is that if you do not know the city very well, it can be very easy to get lost or to take much longer to get to your destination than you had planned. Another benefit to taking a taxi in Los Angeles is that you do not have to deal with other modes of public transportation like LA’s MTA system that you have to share with many people who may have, possible germs, flu viruses, criminals sitting behind you, and crazy folks you do not know adjacent to your space on public transportation at the same time as you. In addition, the driver will know to take a major boulevard such as Sepulveda, La Brea or Manchester at certain times of the day. When you take a taxi, you can enjoy a private ride while your driver gets you to where you need to go.
When you take a taxi the advantages of a bilingual taxi driver in LA are quite vast. If you are not a native English speaker, it can quickly put you at ease to find out that your taxi driver speaks your native language and that you can communicate with them very easily. Additionally, if you are going to an area of LA where you do not speak the language that many of the people speak but your taxi driver speaks the language, they can easily help you get to your destination without you stressing out about how you are going to be able to communicate with others on you way there. This can also help make sure that you do not get lost because your taxi driver will be able to get you to the destination and you do not have to try and find the place on your own because you do not speak the language
About the Author
Justin suggest if you are looking for a Taxi driver who speaks English and Spanish in Los Angeles and for special rates or discounts, try a Bilingual Taxi Driver at Fiesta Taxi. Schedule a pick-up with a Fiesta Taxi by visiting them online today.
By Paul Headley
Operating a successful taxi business is becoming much harder for some operators.
The credit crunch has hit hard for many as the public are tightening their money belts every way they can, including the use of taxis. However, the current and on-going drunk driving campaigns by the government is having a positive effect on increasing the number of taxis the public are using at night.
Taxi drivers realize that some of the most profitable shifts are late at night. Although this may be the most lucrative period the increase in potential abuse and violence also increases.
Licensed hackney carriages are the only type of vehicle that can legally be hailed and stopped by a member of the public. All other vehicles which are for hire for public use must be pre-booked prior to collecting a fare paying passenger or passengers.
It is also a requirement that a booking log is kept by the minicab operators. At the time of booking the name and collection address has to be recorded, providing private hire vehicles with some form of identity of the person using their services which may help should any violence, abuse or damaged be caused to the driver or vehicle.
Licensed hackney carriages do not have to keep logs and are therefore more at risk.
There are a number of things that taxi drivers can do to try and reduce risk.
1. Keeping contact via the on board radio system. Calling the office frequently or contacting them as soon as any trouble begins to brew may help protect the drivers.
2. Fitting a convex mirror which provides a clear view of what’s occurring in the back of the vehicle to enable the driver to pre-empt any dangerous situations.
3. Drivers of saloon cars can install a shield made from material which will help provide protection from a knife or hard bodily impact, such as a punch.
4. Many local councils are helping reduce the risks of abuse and violence for taxi drivers by installing video cameras in licensed taxi and minicabs. Taxi insurance companies welcome all measures to reduce risks and although they may not offer a specific discount for vehicles which are fitted with video equipment any recoded footage of violence and damage can be used to help validate a claim.
5. Taxis drivers do have the right to refuse a passenger if they believe they pose a high risk.
6. Those who use a saloon car should consider restricting front seat passengers.
7. Keep the window only open enough to be able to speak to people not low enough for people to reach in and assault or grab you.
8. Returning to the office and depositing money on a frequent basis can also help reduce the risk of loss.
Many taxi insurance companies will also provide cover for loss of money should it be stolen. There are restrictions as to the amount of money they will provide cover for, so it is well worth contacting them to see whether they include or offer this within the insurance cover.
About the Author
Staveley Head are a leading UK insurance broker for taxi insurance
This is a question for current or former NYC taxi drivers…
How much can a new taxi driver in NYC plan on making in a week?
What are some cab companies that are always hiring/ and or will take a new driver right away?
Is is possible to actually work for a company? Or must you pay to use the car upfront?
Thanks
A guy in a taxi wanted to speak to the driver so he leaned forward and tapped him on the shoulder.
The driver screamed, jumped up in the air and yanked the wheel over. The car mounted the curb, demolished a lamppost and came to a stop inches from a shop window.
The startled passenger said “I didn’t mean to frighten you, just wanted to ask you something.”
Taxi driver says “Not your fault Sir. It’s my first day as a cab driver, I’ve been driving a hearse for the past 25 years”.
By Rick Chapo
Privyet! Da! Nyet! Dasvidanya! You’ve decided on a trip to Russia and these are the four words you will learn first in preparation – hello, yes, no, goodbye! Understanding how to get around using the infamous Russian taxi system is a bit more complex.
A trip to Russia can be a bit intimidating at first. The culture is very different from what you might be used to at home. For instance, a person walking around smiling very friendly will be met with scowls because to do so is a sign of being a fraudster. Considering how much politicians tend to smile, the Russians might be on to something here.
Regardless, it is vital that you understand, as Dorthy might say, that you are not in Kansas anymore. Your time in Russia will be different. Instead of comparing it to home, try to take it in and enjoy it. I’ve been to Russia a few times and had more than just a good time.
Another element of Russia that can be confusing is the taxi system. In major cities like St. Petersburg or Moscow, it works just the way you are used to. There are cars with “taxi” signs. You wave at them and they ignore you as the pass by. Occasionally, they might suffer the foolish tourist, but only if hard up on money. In short, they act like taxi drivers in any major city.
Once you get out of the major cities, the taxi service becomes all encompassing. In fact, it may be one of the largest forms of business in the country. How so? Well, there are no formal taxis per se. Instead, practically every vehicle is a taxi. You simply stand on the side of the road with your hand out and a meaningful look. If someone is looking for a few rubles to help with gas, they’ll pull over. You then tell them where you want to go and they agree or not.
This informal taxi process really has no limits other than what the driver is willing to do. After imbibing in a few adult beverages [vodka] one evening, I and a friend were able to negotiate a $50 fee with a driver to take us to the next city beyond the one we were in. I did not realize that the next city was 14 hours away. A few more adult beverages and it really didn’t matter. Regardless, this was all accomplished by renting a ride off the side of the road.
If you get outside of a major city in Russia, don’t bother hunting for a taxi. Throw out your hand, give them the “I need a ride” look and the world is your oyster. Okay, Russia is your oyster, but you get my drift.
About the Author
Rick Chapo writes about travel destinations for NomadJournals.com – makers of the top travel journals with cases on the market.
By Paul McDuffy
Searching appropriately for companies which can hire you as a driver is the first step to becoming a driver with a local taxi service. Crucial aspects must be taken into consideration before enlisting yourself as a driver. Alertness increases hiring possibilities and discipline doubles the chances. Of course, having a valid driver’s license is the most important. Keep your papers ready and ensure that they support your candidature to work as taxi driver. These aspects are mandatory for this purpose; hence they shouldn’t be taken sportingly. These are common points to be taken care of before any leap.
Anyone who is interested in working for one of the local transportation services should be well prepared. Your personal and professional etiquette are very important. Something weighted quite heavily is your driving record. If your accident rates are high, you might not be able to attain employment as a taxi driver. Personal records are also considered and a clean criminal record is preferred. If you fulfill these criteria, you still have to prove yourself. As with any interview, dress for success.
Many drivers prefer having their own cabs after being involved in this profession for awhile. Still, there are some drivers who choose to drive a vehicle that is supplied by the company on a lease style basis. You must produce legal documents to satisfy the company’s requirements when applying for a lease though. This process is a stepping stone to get cabs on lease. The vehicles that you are offered on lease must remain equipped with the necessary instruments like communication devices, meters, payment equipments and any other accessories. Drivers are also always liable for the maintenance of these leased vehicles.
Another point to consider is that most drivers are hired on the basis of competency tests. Candidates are also tested to ensure that they are able to comprehend road safety rules. Checking such skills is only common sense.
A career with a local cab service is lucrative and challenging too. This towering dream materializes when drivers are strict disciplinarians and follow the prescribed norms. Most importantly, you must have a friendly attitude and a great demeanor. This will help you to make more money while driving your cab. Remember, drivers who transport others usually earn tips from those customers so it really does pay to be nice. However, prepare to face tough situations. Not all travelers are well-mannered.
About the Author
Paul McDuffy is an International Consultant for Chicago taxi service companies. With exceptional knowledge of the River Grove taxi services industry, Paul also works closely with a internet marketing tool team.
by Mick Piercey
We all read, see and hear awful stories the public’s experiences with taxi journeys and when you look into the facts in detail most occur in unlicensed minicabs.You hear comments like, it was cheaper or it was the only taxi available, but at the end of the day it is their safety and well being that they are risking.This is the reason you should only use licensed taxis even if it might cost you a little more or you have a longer wait is a safe journey home!
So what is the difference between and unlicensed and a licensed or an authorised taxi apart from your safe journey home.Well all local authorities or councils are responsible for licensing taxis; they have a department that issues licenses for both the taxi and its driver. Every licensing officer works from the same guidelines so throughout the UK with the exception of a few slight differences all applicable taxi regulations are pretty much the same.
Firstly looking at the vehicle itself the taxi must be fit for purpose and in good repair. It must have a full road safety or mot certificate and most council will require a separate taxi test.Quite often this extra test is required every six months. Because of the high mileage a taxi drives in a year often more than a thousand miles per week, this is an extra safeguard on the taxis road worthy ness. Enabling the local licensing authority to make sure taxis operating in its area keep to the required standard above all safe for the driver and its passengers.
They also require copies of the insurance policy for each taxi and that it provides sufficient cover.Not only for the taxi vehicle but also has adequate public liability cover so in the event of an accident you are covered.Most standard car insurance policies do not cover for hire and reward with taxi insurance this is included. So if you take the chance with and un licensed cab or taxi its unlikely the vehicle even if it is insured will not be covered as a taxi and you will not be insured! The vehicle is therefore operating outside the law.
Once the local council licensing authority is satisfied the taxi has meet all its requirements it receives a numbered plate this shows the details of that authority the vehicle make model and number plate, some also show the colour.It also shows the permitted maximum number of passengers the taxi is allowed to carry at any one time and the license expiry.Please never ask a taxi driver to take more than his maximum number of passengers as they will risk losing his job and the vehicle will not be covered by insurance for that trip.
In addition to the taxi the driver is also licensed by the local licensing authority.This requires the applicant driver to have a full medical check up on a regular basis.Also required is an enhanced criminal records or police check to ensure the taxi driver is a fit and proper person to hold a license.These details and medical are usually checked every three years.
Anyone with a police criminal record for anything the licensing authority considers improper conduct will not be granted or will have his license removed should anything convictions be found between checks.This again protects the public travelling in taxis.
Before a taxi driver is granted his or her license they also has to take a separate driving test designed for taxi drivers, that is in addition to having a full uk driving license.After all this the Taxi Driver is then tested on this local area knowledge.This is known in the taxi trade as the knowledge.Once the driver has satisfied all the requirements of the local authority they will be granted a license given a taxi drivers photo identity badge with their details on.This should be clearly displayed for passengers to see.
So next time you intend to take a taxi journey please take a few extra seconds to check both the taxi vehicle has a current plate and the Driver has his photo ID badge.Both should be issued by the authority of the area in which you are hiring and up to date.
If you are in any doubt wait for the next taxi it is always better to be safe than sorry.
Mick Piercey ceo of a long established licensed uk taxi company based in camberley surrey for more details visit thier website at: http://www.aceexecutivecars.com or for more Taxi related information visit: http://www.thetaxidirectory.co.uk/
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