Tax Tips for Consultants

Finding the right tax tips for consultants can sometimes be the difference between success and failure. Taxes can be a painful and expensive part of doing business as an entrepreneur. The government will always get its portion, but knowing the rules and making the most of them can help reduce the amount that has to be paid when April rolls around.

Becoming aware of certain tax benefits can give consultants and other entrepreneurs the needed boost to finances. It is always a good idea to take some time to talk to a tax professional to be sure that all possible angles have been covered and all regulations have been meet when it comes to dealing with the tax code.

Top Tax Tips for Consultants

  1. Working from home means a wide range of things to entrepreneurs. To make the most of tax deductions, it is important to set aside a space that is used for the business. Having a designated office space will allow the entrepreneur to deduct a portion of household expenses (including mortgage payments, electric bills, and even housekeeping) that is equal to the portion of the house dedicated to the business. Measure out the office space and get that figure, along with the total square footage of the home, to the accountant.
  2. Technology can do more than help run a business. The cost of doing things in this day and age can also serve as major tax deductions for consultants. Internet service, cell phone connections and even television may all be candidates for tax deductions for consultants. The major issue is always whether or not the service, space or product is used mainly or in its entirety for the business. Personal use of an item or space will decrease the amount of the value that can be used towards a tax deduction.
  3. Many work from home consultants choose the path in order to care for their children in the home. It can still be a benefit to deduct some expenses that might be associated with childcare. When a business person hires someone to work in the home to help care for the children in order to free up time to work, that employment can usually be deducted as a business expense. Even day camps, that go on while the parent is working, can be deducted in the same percentage as traditional childcare.
  4. Equipment deductions and credits are still available for many businesses. Special exemptions have been made to allow small businesses to expand. The cost of expansion can be calculated into a tax credit when taxes are filed in the New Year. Equipment can also be deducted in full, or may have to be deducted over the life of the equipment (usually five to ten years). Keep in mind that the income from sales of equipment that has been used for deductions will count into the gross income of the business for the year that it sold.
  5. Mileage costs can add up for consultants. Driving to meeting or even just to the post office can drive up the cost of doing business. Investing in a log that helps keep track of ever trip and any additional costs associated with the trip (like meals) will make it possible to use the mileage on tax forms that could result in large deductions for the business.

The more funding that a business can save through credits and deductions then the more potential earnings that may be discovered. Changing a few techniques can save big money for entrepreneurs. The right tax tips for consultants can be the difference between financial success and monetary ruin for a business.

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p class=”MsoNormal”>Mark has been in personal finance for 4 years, he currently blogs about the best places to find an online insurance quotes.