As W-2’s land in mailboxes and inboxes around the country, online business owners are looking for every tax deduction they can get. Luckily, you can get some relief by deducting items like your web hosting server, domain, and various software.
If you are receiving income from your online business, all costs associated with creation, maintenance, and continuance from your website can be claimed. You can’t run your online business without a web server, domain, and add-ons like design templates, stock images, paid plug-ins, and so on.
So how do you file for these deductions? “Schedule C – Profit or Loss from Business” is part of an individual’s IRS form 1040. This shows the business’ income for the tax year, and where you enter your deductible expenses. Head down to “Part II, Expenses”, and fill out the entry that best matches the deduction. From what we have discussed in this article, the likeliest entries would be:
- #8 “Advertising”
- #18 “Office expense”
- #25 “Utilities”
- #27a “Other expenses”
If you pay someone to design your site or contract someone to write content, you can deduct this as well; send your independent contractor a 1099 form if they made $600 or more working for you.
For resellers, if your client pays you for web hosting, unfortunately this can not be claimed because your client covers this cost when they pay you for the server.
The IRS has three years from receiving your tax return to audit you and request evidence of purchase, so make sure you keep any and all receipts, bank statements, invoices, payment e-mails, etc. that you plan to deduct for at least four years.
If you end up submitting your taxes without claiming the above, it’ll be too late this year, but start recordkeeping today. Save any receipts for costs associated with maintaining your online business.
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Jared Smith is HostDime’s Director of Marketing, and is definitely NOT a tax expert. If you have any questions regarding deductions, consult your tax professional.
I know HostDime for a longtime and now i’m still using Vpsdime. Geat services. Thanks for this news.
Insightful blog post. I’ve had my server with HD for mobile app development in Orlando and it’s been rock solid over the years and the deductions make it even better.
If you forgot to claim the expenses, you can file an amended return. Form 1040-X.
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Thanks a lot! I have tried to create a blog for a while now to no avail. Your article is really help full and easy to understand.
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Wonderful blog Post
All set for the taxes