Get valuable tips to simplify working from home
When you work from home, it’s important that you make the most of the time you have so you can accomplish the goals you set for yourself every day. However, sometimes that can be difficult to do. This post will share a few techniques you can use to be more productive when working from home.
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One of the things that can make working from home difficult is dealing with distractions – many people think that because you work from home, they can call you or come by whenever they want to. But distractions and interruptions can seriously cut down your productivity. How do you deal with distractions and interruptions so you can stay focused? This blog post will answer that question.
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If you work from home as an independent contractor, tax time can be a very stressful time of the year. This post will provide some tips on how independent contractors can make sure they don’t end up owing Uncle Sam a a lot of money.
The IRS provides a publication to help you do this. Publication 1779, “Independent Contractor or Employee” provides information the tree factors the IRS uses to determine if you’re properly classified: behavioral control, financial control, and the relationship of the parties. If you believe you’ve been improperly classified, there is a form that can be filled out and sent to the IRS, Form SS-8. Provide the reasons you believe you’ve been improperly classified on this form, send it to the IRS, and they will review it and determine if you’ve been improperly classified.
The IRS provides Form 1040ES to help you calculate your estimated quarterly tax payments. In order to complete this form, you’ll need your previous year’s tax return, as well as certain information provided in the form 1040 ES instructions. Once you’ve figured out your estimated quarterly tax payments, you can then decide how much you’re going to save out of each paycheck.
You can deduct business-related expenses on your income tax return, both in your itemized deductions on Schedule A, and on Form 8829, Business Use of Home, if you work out of your home. You can deduct a portion of your rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, repairs and maintenance to the part of your home that you use for business, as well as mortgage interest if you’re a homeowner. However, if you do not keep track of these expenses, and you have no receipts to support them, you could get in a lot of trouble if the IRS decides to audit you.
If you use your personal vehicle for work, you can deduct mileage. If you do any other traveling, such as traveling to business meetings by plane, you can deduct 50 percent of your meal expenses. Gifts you buy for clients are also 100 percent deductible when you’re traveling. Once again, be sure to keep track of your receipts for these purchases.
Wait times to speak to the IRS can be lengthy, especially at tax time. However, they can provide helpful insight that might keep you from being audited and possibly having to pay more tax penalties. And they can send you hard copies of the previously-mentioned publications if necessary. If you don’t have the time to hold for the IRS, going to an income tax preparer or tax accountant can be a better way to get any help you need. In addition, the fees you pay to have an income tax professional prepare your taxes are deductible, and many firms provide audit defense services in the event the IRS does decide to audit you.
Working as an independent contractor can be a profitable way to earn a little extra money, or even replace your existing income, but it’s important to make sure you’re keeping accurate records so you don’t end up owing a lot at tax time. These five tips will help save you money on your tax return, and also help ensure that your tax return is as accurate as possible. Have fun running your own business!
So it’s tax time and you’re trying to figure out how to distinguish a direct expense and need examples of direct expenses. What a debacle! While trying to figure out how to distinguish between direct and indirect expenses can be difficult, it doesn’t have to be. A direct expense is, quite simply, an expense that relates directly to your business, or if you work from home, to the part of your home that you use for your business. This article will give some examples of direct expenses.
Figuring out how to deduct computer expenses on your taxes can be tricky. There are a few different ways to deduct, as well as different forms you can use to deduct, depending on whether you’re an employee or an independent contractor. This post will provide some guidance so that computer expenses are deducted correctly, allowing you to get a bigger income tax refund, or at the very least, reducing the amount you owe the IRS.
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