Tax Resources & Guides
Comprehensive IRS resources to help you understand tax deductions, credits, and business expenses.
Difference Between a Tax Credit and a Tax Deduction
• Tax Credits and Deductions (IRS Tax Tip) – explains how credits reduce tax owed vs deductions reduce taxable income
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-credits-and-deductions-for-individuals
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-credits-and-deductions-for-individuals
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Common Tax Write-Offs New Business Owners Miss
• Guide to Business Expense Resources – maps common deductions
https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/guide-to-business-expense-resources
https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/guide-to-business-expense-resources
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What Counts as a Legitimate Business Meal Deduction
• Publication 463 – Travel, Gift, and Car Expenses – covers business meals rules
https://www.irs.gov/publications/p463
https://www.irs.gov/publications/p463
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• 2024 Instructions for Schedule C – business meal criteria
https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i1040sc
https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i1040sc
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Home Office Deduction: Simplified vs. Regular Method
• Home Office Deduction – IRS Newsroom Overview
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/home-office-deduction-benefits-eligible-small-business-owners
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/home-office-deduction-benefits-eligible-small-business-owners
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• Simplified Option for Home Office Deduction
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/simplified-option-for-home-office-deduction
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/simplified-option-for-home-office-deduction
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Mileage vs. Actual Expenses for Vehicle Deductions
• Publication 463 – Travel, Gift, and Car Expenses – explains the mileage method vs actual cost method
https://www.irs.gov/publications/p463
https://www.irs.gov/publications/p463
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What Makes Something a "Business Expense"
• Guide to Business Expense Resources – includes common deductible business expenses
https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/guide-to-business-expense-resources
https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/guide-to-business-expense-resources
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• Tax Guide for Small Business (Pub. 334) – explains business income and allowable expenses
https://www.irs.gov/publications/p334
https://www.irs.gov/publications/p334
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Can You Deduct Clothing for Work?
• Guide to Business Expense Resources – in most cases clothing is only deductible if it's required, not suitable for everyday wear and used in the trade or business
https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/guide-to-business-expense-resources
https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/guide-to-business-expense-resources
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What Records You Must Keep for IRS Proof
• Recordkeeping – IRS Small Business Page – what to save, kinds of records
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/recordkeeping
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/recordkeeping
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How Long to Keep Your Tax Documents
• Recordkeeping – How Long to Keep Records – explains the general 3-year rule and longer retention for specific situations
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/recordkeeping
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/recordkeeping
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Helpful Hub for Self-Employed & Small Business IRS Publications
• IRS Self-Employed Publications & Forms – central list of business tax publications
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/publications-and-forms-for-the-self-employed
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/publications-and-forms-for-the-self-employed
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