Do any of you write off things like gas costs on your taxes? I believe we are able to do this as independent contractors but I'm not positive. It may not be worth the trouble/cost of potentially meeting with an accountant, but I am interested in finding out more. Feel free to share your experiences if you have any!
I'm a walker and drive 30-40 miles a day Mon-Fri. Business mileage is a deductible expense, for 2016 it is $.54 a mile. I use an App on my phone (http://www.mileiq.com) to track my mileage and it complies with IRS requirements. It is free if you only make a few trips per month or $59.99 a year and that expense is also deductible.
Don't forget clothing articles, shoes, leashes, poop bags, client gifts--long list--are also business expenses and can be deducted on your taxes.
I'm trying to figure out how to describe the purpose of my return trip home. i do usually just one drop in every day, while i have more dogs in my home. so I go out to the client, the purpose is the drop in visit. but the trip back? I have to return to the other dogs. Thoughts?
I believe all business travel includes your round trip:)
Absolutely! I keep a mileage log in my car, as I am solely a travelling sitter, so I keep track of miles and gas costs on a daily basis. I've also kept my receipts for marketing materials, such as my business cards and car magnets, and items such as dog toys that I use to gift my clients with. If you've completed any educational courses (such as pet First Aid & CPR) or purchased educational items related to your business, like books on pet sitting, you can claim those as well. I'm sure others will comment with more ideas!
Is anyone aware of how to deduct lawn care supplies? I spend allot of time ensuring the yard looks healthy & nice when I have meet & greets and doggie guests. Since my yard is used as part of my business this should be deductible, but haven't figured out the specifics.
Lawn care is a cost of doing business and a CPA would probably advise you again trying to claim this deduction
My CPA said I should be fine deducting new sod each year as a business expense as damage incurred while doing business. Maintenance is slightly different, but you should still be able to deduct a percentage of it. I deduct 50% of my water bill based on the fact that I do 2x the amount of laundry.
I've been an independent contractor for years, and I traveled as part of my job prior to pet sitting. You can deduct things like mileage, as others have said, purchases strictly for your business, part of your Intenet and phone charges, and advertising. Basically, anything that is used exclusively for your business is a potential expense. Things like Internet and phone bills can be prorated.
This is the IRS publication governing small businesses. It lists all the rules and the deductions available to you.
so, if I leave my home to see 3 drop in visits, then return home, do I include the trip home as part of my mileage? I don't do any dog care in my home.