What kind of write off's should I look to for a photographer working as an independent contractor. ?

Question

So I was hired by the company BellaBabyPhotography and basically I work as an independant contractor. They take no taxes out of my pay. As a photographer what kinds of things should I write off. I will b using my car to get to work. I also have to use it for monthly meetings and trips to the hospital to keep up with my immunization guidelines since I will be working with babies. Can I write off the medical expenses of being employed. What about the flash I had to purchase? The job required I bought a flash for my camera. Can someone help me figure out what to keep track off. And is a written log good enough for the car mileage?

Answer 1

Medical expenses directly associated with your specialized position if not billed to the client (something I recommend since it is an expense associated with your contracted position) are deductable.

All your equipment can be depreciated over the life of the specific device.

A flash system can be expected to last at least seven years, lenses perhaps ten.  Digital cameras on the other hand are a technology that has to be replaced every 18 to 24 months as are your computers.  The IRS allows an accelerated depreciation schedule for those kinds of equipment.

At the very least, you need to contact SCORE and have them look over your business and marketing plan as well as your contract BellaBabyPhotography.  My guess is that BBP is supplying the liability insurance, but if they are not, you need to address that issue as well and finally your CPA should be able to help you set up the unreimbursed expenses and depreciation schedule.  Most of us use Quickbooks, since it will not only keep track of the P&L of your enterprise, but produce invoices, purchase orders and other business documents.

Answer 2

where are you?

claim everything

go and see an accountant - you can claim that, they should tell you everything you need to know

a