Taxes! Associated Content Producers Deductions

Years ago I had my own small housecleaning business. I bought a lot of my own supplies and vacuum to use at some of the homes. I could deduct my vacuum cleaner as long as I housecleaned with it for five years.

I got to thinking last night, if I could deduct cleaning supplies and my vacuum, why not items for my writings on Associated Content? In the directions it states we have to claim on a tax form that we are getting paid even if it is under $600.

I just got off of the telephone with my accountant. He gave me information on what we could deduct.

Our monthly Internet bill. A huge savings as our monthly high speed Internet bill is $61.00.

Part of our equipment cost of our computer.

I mainly use my laptop but have to take it in to be fixed up from so much typing. Five keys are missing! Thankfully if I push extra hard they work. My laptop will not even close anymore due to a crack in it. I have a warranty on my laptop that needs re-newing. I will be saving that receipt for next years taxes.

We have a desktop computer I will be using a lot for two weeks while my laptop is being fixed and missed! I had to check last night if I could access my account from that computer. Yes, thankfully! Two weeks is way too long to miss writing, learning from reading other's articles, and commenting! I will keep records of how much I use the desktop computer to see if that is partially deductible, too.

I shall save the receipt for Norton Anti-virus. I suggest you do the same. If you order Norton or any other antivirus protection, print out the receipt.

Any phone calls made for an article can be deducted.

If you write with paper, pen or pencil and then transfer it to your computer; the paper, pens, and pencils are deductible.

I think it is much easier to type up my articles on the computer. It saves a lot of time instead of handwriting it. It is easier to make corrections and move items around by copy and pasting. However, I do have a notebook I bought to write any notes throughout the day and night that come to mind so I do not forget! I have a huge list already on what I want to write about. The middle of the night my mind likes to wander and sometimes I think that is when it becomes most creative. The notebook and pen on my nightstand is very helpful. Also, during the day I can be having a conversation with someone and it will trigger an article to write about later. Grab that pen!

Any stamps used you may deduct. I told my accountant we can do everything online to post our articles. I think I will buy a book of stamps and save the receipt this year. It is possible the stamps can be deducted for mailing our Internet bill!

In Wisconsin we have three years to deduct items for a business. If after three years you do not make more than what you are deducting, it becomes a hobby. You are not able to deduct the items any longer.

I plan to work hard for three years and write, write, write! It is after all my favorite thing to do. I was born with it since a child. Even if I do not make more than what I spend, I look at it as three years of help to support something I absolutely love to do. I have only been on Associated Content for one month, and I have read a lot of other people who live to write, too.

Talk to your accountant as rules may vary! Save your receipts! Keep enjoying doing what you love!