Just the thought of taxes can scare people out of their minds. You have to keep all your records and documents in order to be able to file easier at the end of the year. Home business owners have their own set of allowable deductions that differ from other businesses. You have a chance to save a lot of money by knowing how to take advantage of you home business situation.
Know what your deductions are. There are several deductibles that the home-based business owner is entitled to. There are auto/vehicle deductions that can help with mileage, gas, insurance, and/or other related expenses. You can write off your business cards and stationary, plus any business meals and entertainment. All business traveling expenses, education, and even the interest on your business credit card can be counted in your favor. If you use a computer the Internet service and web page related expenses could be deducted as well. Office furniture, supplies, your phone and other communication devices are also necessities that have deductions. Any postage or delivery of goods charges is also considered a business expense. The home-based owner can also get deductions on rent and utilities that keep the business running. Deductions that you will want to use on your 1040 form are:
* Half of your self-employment tax amount, which can offer you a huge savings.
* As much as 100% of your medical insurance costs for you and your family.
If you make more than $600 per year in self-employment you must file your taxes. You may qualify for the C-EZ form if you have had a bad year or just got started. Your total business expenses will have to be less than $5000 for that year; you have no inventory, or have to file a 4562 form (depreciation and amortization form). Make sure first and foremost that your expenses are less than $5000 and that you have taken all the deductions you are entitled to.
A large decision is who will be doing your taxes. You need to decide if you plan to do them yourself or if you want someone else to do them for you. There are several advantages in using a tax professional. They can save you much time and unneeded frustration. They can spot deductions you might miss or not know about. It also saves you from being responsible for any errors that were made in the preparation, which could end up saving you thousands. No matter how you decide to prepare your taxes be sure to claim all possible deductions to save you money in the long run. A business has many breaks for the taxpayer for a reason and you should make sure you know what you qualify for and how to save. |
