Tax help please!!
@camomom (7535)
United States
January 2, 2011 12:57pm CST
I am an Avon representative and this will be my first year filing taxes as a self employed person. I'm looking for help from any other self employed, Independent Consultant/Representatives out there. What do I need in order to file my taxes correctly, to get the best refund?
I've heard that I can claim mileage for my car since I use it for advertising and deliveries?? I've also heard that I can claim my phone and internet and possibly part of my rent??? Anything else that I'm not aware of??
Any and all help will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance.
5 responses
@drock33523 (10)
• United States
3 Jan 11
I don't see where to send a message. I have invited you to be my friend. Maybe then I will be able to message you? I am new here, lol. I joined last night and don't know my way around too well yet:)
@camomom (7535)
• United States
3 Jan 11
I'm sending you a message and then you can respond to it. That may be easier for you. It is hard to figure things out here at first.
@camomom (7535)
• United States
3 Jan 11
I tried to send a message but it won't send. You have to accept my friend request first, then I can send it.
@drock33523 (10)
• United States
3 Jan 11
OK. I added you as friend, then sent a message. I don't know if you got it, but if you did, I hope it helps you:)
@jerzgirl (9226)
• United States
2 Jan 11
I'm also an Avon rep and a former IRS tax examiner. You can only use your rent as a write-off if you use a portion of your home exclusively for Avon, nothing else. You can write off the discounts you give helpers as an expense, specific phone calls that are toll calls if related to Avon, any copies you've made and all your business materials. You may even be able to take the trip to New York, but only your share of the expenses. You need to use a Schedule C along with your 1040. I'd call IRS's free number to find out about mileage, though.
@camomom (7535)
• United States
2 Jan 11
So, if I have an office and only work on Avon in there, I can claim it? If I don't have an office and do Avon related things in my kitchen, I can't claim it?
I'm just trying to make sure I understand you correctly.
Also, I have a helper that I give a 10% discount too and I let her get so many products at demo price, I can claim them?
Long distance calls can be claimed but not a portion of my phone bill? I have a business phone line that is used exclusively for Avon and nothing else, can I claim that?
I can claim copies- so anything that I've made copies of from my own computer at home? So I'd claim paper and ink for my computer printer? What about internet for my Avon website?
Do samples, business cards and other office supplies count as business materials?
My trip to New York for the Gala (including food and travel) was reimbursed by Avon, so wouldn't that be considered income and not a business expense?
I know I have a million questions, I'm sorry. Any help you can give is truly appreciated. THANK YOU!!!!
@jerzgirl (9226)
• United States
2 Jan 11
Exclusivity is the key. Anything shared can't be claimed. If your phone line is exclusive to Avon, then you can count all of it. If it's the family phone, then only Avon toll calls can be used. If a portion of your kitchen is used exclusively for Avon, then you can claim. If you also eat there or do kids' homework there, then no. If the computer ink is used just for Avon, ok. If you use it for other things, no. Labels, fine. If they're for Avon. Think exclusivity. And, you can only deduct the portion you gave your helpers, not the portion they paid for.
@marsha32 (6631)
• United States
3 Jan 11
I came to see if you got any answers that might help me as well.
2010 was my first full year of not working a pay check job.
I only started with Fuller Brush, so that won't be until next year. The rest of my income comes from websites. From what I am reading it should all be turned in.
I'm mostly concerned about how much it would cost me to have it figured at H&R Block since I wouldn't have a clue how to go about filing it myself this year. I've never filed on any of my online income before. But, I think I can still qualify for the earned income credit on what I earn online?
@camomom (7535)
• United States
3 Jan 11
Sorry, I'm not much help. I'm lost for the most part but I always have been when it comes to taxes.
I do online stuff too but haven't ever earned enough to claim. I think in PA it has to be $300.00 or more in earnings to claim. I didn't claim Avon last year because I had only been with it 3 months and didn't make that much.
I hope you find some answers too. Good luck to us both.
@artistry (4152)
• United States
3 Jan 11
...Hi there camomom, You can call your local I.R.S office and ask them to send you a Publication 17, a few Schedule C's and some SE forms. A Publication or form explaining business deductions for Schedule C if they provide a separate one would be good. In the Pub 17, there should be a full explantaion of what you can take as an expense along with the titles of other related documents which may be helpful and can be requested. You should try to keep detailed records of anything you use related to your Avon business. I used to be an I.R.S. agent. "o) Good luck.
@camomom (7535)
• United States
3 Jan 11
Thanks for the info. I will definitely look into it. I'm thinking of using H&R Block this year. I get a discount there for being an Avon Rep. so it doesn't cost much.
@drock33523 (10)
• United States
3 Jan 11
I am not sure if I can say exactly the internet service I use here. It is very reputable in my eyes. I have used it for several years. You can use it for free or upgrade for $10.00 they can pull informaion up from the previous years. I don't have my own business, but they ask you many questions and there are several options.. I don't want to be banned from here so I will try to message you. I am not sure if I can post the url or not.
