Law Commons^™

Are Frequent Flyer Benefits Really Benefits: An Analysis Of The Frequent Flyer Tax Debate And A New Theory Of Taxability For Frequent Flyer Benefts , Jennifer A. Cunningham

Cleveland State Law Review

This Note will begin with a brief history of frequent flyer programs and an explanation of how they operate, followed by a closer look at the traditional arguments for nontaxability of mileage earned on personal flights, taxability of mileage earned on business flights for an employer, and proposed theories for valuing the taxable mileage. Next, it will summarize failed attempts by both the courts and the legislature to resolve the issue. After establishing this background, the Note will explore the concept of gross income, particularly as reflected by section 61 of the Internal Revenue Code and interpreted by case law …