Top 10 deductions self-employed founders miss every year
Home office, retirement, equipment — the deductions that quietly add up to thousands.
1) Home office (simplified method or actual expense). 2) Self-employed health insurance. 3) Solo 401(k) or SEP-IRA. 4) Half of self-employment tax. 5) Equipment under §179.
6) Vehicle (mileage or actual). 7) Phone and internet (business %). 8) Professional development. 9) Software and subscriptions. 10) Business meals (50%) and travel (100% lodging/transport).
Document everything. Receipts, mileage logs, and a clear paper trail are what survive an audit. The deductions are legitimate; sloppy records are what get them disallowed.
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