The Trick is to get yourself organized right from the beginning. (Even If You Just Throw Everything Into One Box .)
Keeping good records, verifying every entry is the key to successfully claiming all the home-based business deductions to which you are entitled. If you have recently started an Internet or home business, your probably a little intimidated by having to submit a tax return and the possibilities of being audited. Simply follow these guidelines and rest assured that filing your next tax return will go smoothly.
Get yourself an accounting ledger booklet. Better still open up an exce spreadsheet, simply label, expense or income.
Franchise Expenses:
If you have a monthly affiliate, make sure you claim that.
Business Supplies:
Be sure to save all receipts for any supplies you purchase for your business use. Computer paper, business cards, pens, catalogs, or any items you purchase and use for your business.
Advertising:
Most advertising can be claimed on your taxes. Keep all receipts for any newspaper ad’s you may run, or any advertising you do online. Advertising is a business expense and in most cases can be written off.
Phone Bills And Internet Access:
These items are business expenses, make sure that you save your monthly  bill. You may only be allowed to deduct a portion of it.
Home Office:
If you have an office in your home, make sure to let your tax advisor know. Using a room in your home as an office can also be added on taxes. Check with your tax advisor as to the best way to calculate this business expense with mortgage, interest, property taxes and insurance.
Long Distance Calls:
If you make any long distance calls that are related to your business, make sure you keep all phone bills showing the calls and the amounts charged. If these calls are related to your work, the cost of the calls may also be written off in most cases.
Postage:
This one is often forgotten, any postage cost or shipping fee may be claimed.
Computers:
If you purchase a new computer for business use, the cost of the computer may be claimed. You may also claim depreciation for 3 years after the computer was purchased.
Labor Expenses:
Salaries paid to children, spouse, relatives or others to perform work for your firm are all deductible expenses. Payments should be reasonable, and the arrangements structured properly to avoid problems in case of an audit.
Utilities:
If you have a room in your home that is used only for your internet business and nothing else, you will be able to deduct a portion of your utilities. I especially like this because I have to have these things anyway with or without the internet business and now they are tax deductible. Everything from gas, electricity, long distance and garbage pick-up are allowable deductions. Be sure that you keep your payment receipts in your accounting ledger or spreadsheet.
Car Expenses:
Keep track of your mileage, keep a speadsheet in the car and anytime you are using it for work, write it down.
Entertainment Expenses:
Make sure you deduct dinners, parking tickets or any other expense with any potential clients.
Education:
Attending trade shows, conferences, conventions, any cost of journals, software, or web subscriptions may also be claimed.
Income:
In addition to all your deductible expenses, you will also need to keep track of any money that you make with your business.
Travel:
The percentage and eligibility of deduction depends on whether your trip was deemed to be business-related exclusively (100 per cent) or partially (50 per cent). Best to keep receipts and discuss with tax advisor.
In closing, keep good records, verify everything with copies of all bills, paystubs, a mileage log for the vehicle, etc. If you are ever audited, you will have your information organized and ready. Total up each category at the end of the year and take the entire booklet or excel sheet into your tax preparer.
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