What can you write off for a DBA?

[Altco]

for Sole Proprietors:

Let me start it off:

1) Server Expenses
2) Sever Leases
3) Hardware (your laptop cough).

[James]

well as any business can write off just about every thing from supplies (pens,paper ect ect) to desktops you should be able to as well best bet tho is to talk to an accountant on this matter other wise the IRS might want ot take a look at your stuff.
fyi keep all recips for at lest 5 to 7 years because they can aduit you for that time frame.
just do what im going to do for that. make back up's of the e-mails you send out for invoices and also print them out file them away, using 12 folders, one for each month then put them into one big folder for the year that way you will stay organised and if you do get audited you just pull the files you need.

ohh yes time on the phone as well.
hope it helps
James

[Chicken]

You can write off a great deal, from the tax return preparation itself, to the office space you lease and most everythign in between. As was suggested, talk to a CPA.

One note about using 12 folders and then putting everything in one big folder...

That is fine if it helps you, but as far as taxes go, no one cares whether everything is seperated into 12 months or not. What you want to do is know what areas you can write off (say 'office supplies' for example), and keep a running tab through out the term. Your CPA wants to hear you say, "$2,000 for office supplies..." *not* "Here are 12 folders full of receipts for every stamp and pen I ever bought this year."

[iBiz]

another thing to add,

mileage, mileage and mileage. everytime you drive to the stor for that stamp, visit with a local potential hosting customer, etc.... write it down in a log book

total the miles up at the end of the year and give it to your cpa.

[James]

well i ment the folders for your business to keep incase of an aduit. that way you coverd.
and yes i all most forgot about mileage:)
laters
James

[markcw]

Don't forget these items:

If you own a home, the home office space may be deductible.

Lets say you need steel doors for security of your home office, it may be deductible.

Lets say you get a home security system, part of the cost may be deductible.

Let say you live in a condo or townhose and have a home office, part of the association fees could be deductible.

Leased company car

ISP internet costs to dial-in and maintain your websites

Printing and advertising costs

Fees to join chamber of commerce and professional associations

Fees to incorporate, Legal and bookeeping fees

Accounting software to track everything


I have done this at various times after my accountant approved of course! :)