Showing posts with label small business taxes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label small business taxes. Show all posts

Monday, January 14, 2013

Recently the Small Business Administration or SBA has upgraded the way they do business online, with the introduction of their user friendly browsing tools specifically designed for emerging business owners. These tools will allow them to add to their customer base while expanding on their recruitment of new employees. The SBA Learning Center has simplified it's search catalog, so that anyone can use it therefore spending less time going through loads of pages to find specific instructive videos or classes that they are searching for. The SBA has become 'a one stop shop' for emerging business owners to do everything from creating their business plan to quickly finding out the exact information they need to market their business.

Business owners can enjoy SBA's affiliate partner resources which include access to e learning material for their businesses from other third party colleges and organizations. The great thing about these SBA affiliated programs is that business owners will have access to both the tools as well as friendly counselors who are their to assist with any questions that may arise. It's a win win situation for all! Being that the internet is so cost effective for start up business marketing and attracting a loyal following globally, both the SBA and their affiliate partners are committed to training business owners on the most current social media applications that are being used for business.

The site now offers:

  • Online Classes
  • Tips for Disaster Planning and Recovery
  • Step-by-step Help For Creating a Business Plan
  • Marketing Planning Tips
  • Connection to Local Counselors
  • Event Calendar for Local Events
  • If you have questions about structuring your business or what licenses and permits you need, this is a good place to start.

    Visit SBA.gov, for help.

    Related posts:

    Start a Business Journal

    Free Marketing: 101 Low and No Cost Ways to Grow Your Business Online

    Taking Your Business Into 2012

    Monday, October 4, 2010


    (Disclaimer - I am not an accountant, financial adviser, nor do I have expertise in advising on tax issues. This is just general information to point you in the right direction.)

    I see this question a lot, "What kinds of expenses can I deduct on my taxes if I have a home eBay business?" According to my accountant, here is the answer:

    Rule of thumb – if it is related to your business, keep track of it. You can probably write it off. Start gathering and tracking this information NOW before the holiday selling season starts. You are going to be busy with holiday selling, your own family holiday, and everything that happens in the 4th quarter. Don't wait until January to start scrambling. Here is a list of the types of expenses you should track.

    Fees
    Business license fee
    Cell phone, internet usage
    eBay fees (can be pulled from eBay sales reports)
    Membership fees (auction templates, eBay groups, Stamps.com, Terapeak, Skype, etc.)
    Paypal fees (can be pulled from eBay sales reports)
    Professional fees (accountant, attorney, consultant, web design, etc.)

    Office Supplies
    Copies
    Digital camera batteries
    Labels
    Paper
    Printer ink
    Postage
    Shipping supplies (bubble wrap, boxes, tape)

    Equipment
    Book Scanner / cell phone app for pricing
    Computer
    Digital Camera
    Furniture (storage shelving or tubs, desk chair, etc.)
    Headset
    Postage scale
    Printer

    Computer Related
    Computer repair
    Hardware (mouse, flash drives)
    Software

    Educational
    eBay classes
    eBooks, books, audiobooks, instructional mp3 downloads, online courses
    Webinars

    Use of Home Office
    The IRS allows you to write off a percentage of expenses for your home based on the sq footage your office space occupies. If you have a 2,000 sq foot home, and your office space takes up 200sq ft, you can write off 10% of your utilities, home repair, mortgage, etc. Keep track of:

    Home repairs
    Utility bills

    If you do not have an accountant and are doing this yourself, check these helpful resources:



    You may also want to consider operating as a DBA (Doing Business As) entity.Check Legal Zoom for the advantages of becoming a DBA.

    eBay Selling Coach BlogThe owner of this website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon properties including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com.