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Virtual Inc.
A Newsletter for the Online Business Community
Volume I, Number 5, August 1994
The following is an abridged version of Virtual Inc., a unique
publication for online businesses and telecommuters. Virtual
Inc. features news, interviews, and profiles of leading developers
and businesses who are working on the information highway, as well
as useful advice about telecommuting and working on the road.
To receive a complimentary sample issue by first class mail,
contact vfusion@aol.com. OR
****CALL OUR TOLL-FREE NUMBER: 800-269-8825****
For subscription information see the end of this file.
************************************************************
The Virtual Edge
Editor's Word
by Michael Daconta
I am considered a "prolific" author. To my editor, this means I can
write books fast -- and a lot of them. He may be trying to create a
"monster." Nevertheless, I enjoy teaching and writing and therefore do
plan to have many, many books bearing my name. And while writing my
second book, I have learned of a vital strategy that allows me to
maintain a fast writing pace. The strategy is to retrieve real-time
information online so that the flow of writing never stops! The
strategy sounds simple, yet it is incredibly powerful. In fact, it is
also widely applicable to businesses outside of writing. Let's examine
how it works and then what it means in a larger sense.
Picture me typing away at a critical program for my book, but for
various reasons the code will just not compile (compilation is the
process of taking human-readable text and translating it into computer
machine language). Instead of getting angry and frustrated, I reach
for the modem switch! Dial, ring, squelch... I'm connected to a huge
brain trust! Zip! I flash over to the vendors forum and post a
message. Zing! I whip out some email to online programmer friends!
Close connection! In the short waiting period I move on to another
task. Several hours later (never more than 24), I go back online and
retrieve the answers to my problem. Magic!
The critical point to understand in that scenario is analogous to
driving a sports car at 80 miles an hour on the Autobahn; You need
real-time information on where to turn, or you'll have to slow down or
stop.
The power of real-time information is now at your fingertips. There is
a huge brain trust of hard-working, dedicated people waiting online to
be tapped when needed. You are also part of that brain trust and help
others when they need it. This is global cooperation at its finest
Virtual Inc. will soon begin to bring you summaries on the key forums
that are of interest to the virtual worker. We will help you locate
the key online resources that can keep your business running at top
speed. The power of the information highway is here today -- as long
as you know where to look!
Writing Off Your Home Office
At Work
by Harlan S. Kahn
More and more entrepreneurs are establishing businesses in their own
homes. In this month's article I would like to opine on some of the
Dos and Don'ts regarding a business in your home as it relates to the
IRS and the tax laws.
Being self-employed has many tax advantages. It shifts the foundation
of tax law and tax deductions into your favor. The business page of
the tax return has the ability to include in your tax return business
expenses that otherwise would have no declarable taxable value (or
shift deductions that are partially declarable into a more favorable
status). For instance, a business in your home immediately affords you
the ability to consider the portion of the home dedicated to the
endeavor as deductible. This means that a portion of the rent or
mortgage you are already paying may be deductible for you. There are
several guidelines, however. Here are just a few: Set aside a room
dedicated solely to the purpose of the business. Conduct business on a
regular basis from this home office or home workshop. Don't have a TV
in this room; it makes people think this room is not used exclusively
for work, which would negate the deduction. Don't have a bed in the
room (unless, of course, you're a therapist). Learn to make a profit.
Accompanying self-employment are many added responsibilities. Two
important ones are taxes and record keeping. Because of the added
deductions (and tax benefit), self-employment has increased
record-keeping responsibilities. One day you may need proof of every
deduction recorded on a particular year's tax return; the more
deductions, the more records need to be kept and organized. This is
why I methodically review shopping bags full of receipts, add them,
categorize them, and summarize them for clients every year.
Let's say you've been contemplating starting a primary or secondary
business from your home. You probably have some questions. Among the
most commonly asked questions are:
How long does the IRS give you to be profitable?
When you're a sole proprietor (not incorporated or in partnership),
your business income or loss is reported on your individual (personal)
tax return. In fact, in terms of the IRS you and your business are the
same. All of your earnings (net of expenses and/or losses) are added
together. Your business must show a profit on your individual tax
return four out of the first seven years (in most cases) This means
you can claim a loss at least three years in the first seven. A loss
can significantly reduce your adjusted gross income, which ultimately
reduces the taxes you pay to the government.
Does the IRS set a limit on the amount of the loss you can deduct?
No. However, I generally ask clients several questions regarding proof
of their investment to protect them from an IRS audit. In almost all
cases, your loss can never exceed your investment.
What items other than rent can I deduct?
Depending on individual circumstances, a business typically has
utility, telephone, maintenance, supplies, transportation, insurance,
and tax expenses. A copy of form 1040 Schedule C has a list of most of
the common deductions. There's even room on the tax form to list a few
of your own deductions. In many years of tax-return experience I have
seen quite a number of unusual items legitimately listed (including
make-up, theater tickets, limousine rides, and panty hose).
Do I have to go to an accountant or a CPA to file my taxes every year
if I have a home-based business?
Seasoned preparer's generally don't make the mistakes beginner filers
make. A career accountant, whose service is monitoring businesses and
filing tax returns year round, knows about deductions, substantiation,
and tax strategies you never even thought of. Accountants understand
basic tax law, have lengthy filing experience, and a general feel for
business. For example, new businesses may need a little advice on
forecasting taxes for the coming year, or help in budgeting monthly
expenses. In my experience, people filing their first schedule C
rarely schedule and support deductions properly. All too often, the
results of a novice filing his/her own taxes are inquiries from the
IRS requesting further information or failure to take advantage of an
obvious deduction.
Remember, many tax advantages exist for the individual with a business
in the home. Many advantages. The key is to remember that you are
running a business to make a profit and not a hobby designed to avoid
taxes.
(Harlan S. Kahn is a CPA with a practice at the Atrium Building, 98
Cutter Mill Road, in Great Neck, NY 10021. He is also
secretary/treasurer and a founding member of the Network of Allied
Professionals, Inc. (a professional continuing education organization
on Long Island). Harlan also has been an occasional guest speaker on
the weekly Long Island-based radio show "Financial Planning in the
90's, with Alex Mitchell" on WBGG 1240 AM.)
************************************************************
Subscribe to Virtual Inc.! Youll get much more useful information.
Here are some items not included in this electronic version of
Issue #5:
* News - The latest from Cyberspace
* Profile - Andrew Welch╒s Software of the Gods
Virtual Inc.
A Newsletter for the Online Business Community
Editor In Chief Michael C. Daconta
Managing Editor Jon X. Volquardsen
Associate Editor Marc I. Whinston
Contributing Editor Jeffrey Cohen
Art Director Ari M. Weinstein
Published and Copyright (c) 1994 by Virtual Fusion Inc.
5160 Calle Bonita, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635
vfusion@aol.com
Phone: 800-269-8825
Fax: 602-458-1063
Virtual Inc. is published 12 times a year. Annual subscription rate:
$25. Send or transmit subscription requests to one of the addresses
above. Letters to the Editor are accepted via electronic mail only.
Letters submitted become property of Virtual Inc., and cannot
be returned.
Virtual Fusion Inc. is seeking programmers, artists,
and engineers who want to work from home developing software for
commercial distribution. E-mail vfusion@aol.com for further details.