Self Employed Tax Deductions and Credits – 2009

Tax Software – Home Business Tax Write Offs

Feb 19, 2010 Emily Rogers 

This article discusses how to organize and write off all home business tax deductions.

For those who have opened up their own business as a self-employed individual, there are an array of various home business tax deductions and credits to use during tax season. In order to not become too overwhelmed when filing taxes, it’s best to use a good accounting system (self employment software) to organize certain self employed write offs for the end of the year.

How to Organize and Write Off Home Business Tax Deductions

Saving receipts and maintaining records of all expenses will certainly pay off at the end of the year, come tax season. By using all the self-employed tax deductions and credits available, there is no doubt that individuals can save a bundle when filing taxes.

Home business deductions include “write offs” for travel, vehicle maintenance, office expenses, supplies, equipment and payroll. Overall, by saving receipts of these expenses and keeping records of all possible write offs, individuals can have a much more pleasant result come time to file their taxes.

Self Employed Tax Deductions and Credits – Common Start-up Cost Deductions

During the first year of opening up a home business, individuals commonly have the most losses, as it often takes money to start up a successful business. Individuals can deduct up to $5,000 in start-up expenses, as well as $5,000 in organizational expenses. However, any expenses that are not written off can be deducted over a 180-month time frame. During the first year, individuals can write off expenses related to advertising, employee training and any type of costs related to initially opening up the business.

Home Business Tax Deductions and Credits – Vehicle Deductions

The self-employed have the choice to write off the miles used on their business vehicle, or the actual expenses such as; gas related expenses. It‘s best to weigh out both options in order to see which choice is more beneficial. However, it’s essential that individuals keep records of all write offs.

Self Employment Write Offs – Equipment Write Offs for the Self-Employed

Any equipment related expenses that pertain to a home business can be deducted, as long as the items are used at least half the time for business purposes. The equipment does not have to be brand new, yet it does have to be newly purchased, as the individual must have proof of the purchase. Some examples of equipment home business deductions include; computers, furniture, cars and machinery. These are just a few of many examples of equipment deductions.

Home Business Tax Deductions and Credits –Travel Deductions

All travel deductions that are not reimbursed can be deducted. All transportation, airfare, hotel and half of meals can be written off on the self-employee’s taxes. Fortunately, individuals can also deduct the expenses of those traveling with the business owner, as well, as long as they are not official employees.

Self Employment Tax Write Offs – Deducting Entertainment Expenses

It is even possible to write off a certain amount of pleasurable expenses related to business. The self-employed are allowed to deduct up to 50% of all entertainment expenses that are not reimbursed. However, the entertainment must be directly related to business. An example would be; a business meeting held at a restaurant.

Overall, when writing off business expenses on taxes, it’s best to clearly understand all possible self-employed tax deductions and credits. Using all the various write offs can be extremely helpful come tax season. The most important thing for individuals to do when preparing to file taxes is carefully organizing all records and receipts in order to have clear proof of their deductions.

Related articles:

New Tax Deductions and Credits 2009 
File at TurboTax.com 
Congress Extends $8000 Home Buyer Tax Credit 

Source: Turbotax.com

From:  http://personal-tax-planning.suite101.com/article.cfm/self-employed-tax-deductions-and-credits--2009