Yes, you can leverage on these small business deductions to build a significant tax shelter by writing off substantial dollars from your home based small business. Without a doubt, you can put the IRS tax laws in your favor to pocket big bucks.

Generally, you'll find there are two types of tax laws; laws for business owners and laws for people who do not own a business (employees or W2 earners). There are tax deductions that W2 earners get. But did you know that business owners have the benefit of getting both the W2 deductions PLUS an entire slew of business deductions?

It's no wonder so many people are opting to start small businesses; especially home based. Even running a small home based business part time will open the door to your keeping more cash.

A home office tax deduction is like having a money tree that just keeps on growing.

First, you need to make sure you qualify for a home business deduction. You’re entitled to a home office deduction if your dwelling unit (home, apartment, etc.) is used exclusively on a regular basis as "one" of the following:

1. Part of a daycare business
2. A separate structure not attached to your dwelling unit
3. Your primary place of business
4. A place of business where you meet with customers or patients regularly

• Home Office Deduction
  
  You can deduct the percentage of your home that is used for your business. For example, if you have a home business office that occupies 20% of the total area of your home, you can deduct housing expenses for mortgage interest, property taxes, utilities, repairs, garbage and homeowners insurance.
  
  For example, Jack runs an ecommerce home based business occupying 20% of his entire home. If Jack racks up $12,000 in housing expenses, he would be able to deduct (20% * $12,000) = $2,400 off of his total income.



• Small Business Deductions - Vehicles
  
  You have the choice of using one of two methods for small business deductions on your vehicle. You can use the actual expenses or mileage rate methods.
  
  Using the actual method, you can deduct all of your business related car expenses. This includes deductions for gas, repairs, maintenance, wash, insurance, depreciation, taxes, interest and other miscellaneous car related expenses.
  
  Under the mileage method, also called the IRS method, the IRS allows you to deduct 55 cents per mile driven for business purposes for 2009.
  
  So, the method you'll want to pick will be the one where you'll get the most small business deductions for the business use of your vehicle.



• Deducting Business Entertainment
  
  You are able to deduct 50% of your business entertainment cost. The IRS requires you to thoroughly document when it comes to small business deductions for fun/entertainment. First, IRS requires you to keep receipts for all business entertainment expenses over $75.

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