Self-Employed Business Networking Tax Deductions Read the Article Open Share Drawer Share this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window) Written by TurboTaxBlogTeam Published Aug 7, 2018 - [Updated Jan 31, 2024] 2 min read Reviewed by Katharina Reekmans, Enrolled Agent Building your own business comes with challenges and perks every step of the way, but along that path, you’re probably going to meet people who can lend a hand or share an important piece of advice. One of the most important parts of being self-employed and starting your own business is building a network of people around you filled with clients, advisers, influencers, and supporters. While meeting new people may seem difficult at first, it can also be extremely rewarding and beneficial for you and your business. You never know when you may need to chat again with the business associates standing next to you at the coffee shop! So, whether you’re on the apps or networking the old-fashioned way, check out these ways you can use networking to your advantage in more ways than one! Networking meetings: Apps are great ways to expand your network and meet potential new clients. As a self-employed business owner, you can also use these tools to look for a mentor, potential colleagues with the skills you need to run your business or other entrepreneurs. When it comes time to file your taxes, you may be able to write off the costs associated with networking for your business, like the costs of your networking apps and networking group fees. Conferences: Attending a conference can help you learn new skills and meet people in your respective industry. While the conference fees may be expensive, you can often write off the cost of admission, as long as it directly relates to your business. The cost of travel to a conference is also generally considered tax deductible as long as it is “ordinary and necessary” and is specifically related to your work. Professional business networks: We all know how important networking is, and sometimes your city may have local community organizations that you and your business can benefit from. Joining a professional network or organization in your community can help grow your business and provide new opportunities that you may not have been able to find otherwise. Remember: membership fees are tax deductible as long as there is a professional purpose for joining. LinkedIn Premium subscription: LinkedIn provides self-employed individuals an opportunity to promote their business and grow their brand, as well as continue to build their online network with like-minded professionals. The subscription-based Premium service can be written off as a business expense if you are using it for your business or professional purposes. While you’re buzzing around and building your networks, be sure to keep track of your expenses so you can report them when it’s time to file. As always, you can use QuickBooks Self-Employed to easily track your business income, expenses, and mileage year-round. Your information can then be transferred to your TurboTax Self-Employed tax return at tax time. Previous Post Social Media Influencers: A Guide to Your Tax Return (and… Next Post Student Loan Options When You’re Self-Employed Written by TurboTaxBlogTeam More from TurboTaxBlogTeam One response to “Business Networking Tax Deductions” I stayed working from home in 2018. What can I deduct? Reply Leave a ReplyCancel reply Browse Related Articles Tax News Intuit TurboTax April Report: A Look at Refunds and S… Tax Planning April 15 is the Tax Deadline: 6 Things You Need to Know… Tax Planning Unable to Pay Your Tax Bill? Here’s What To Do Tax Tips Tax Credits 101: What They Are & How They Work Business How to Know if You Should Invest in Business Insurance Tax Deductions and Credits What Is the Standard Tax Deduction for 2023 – 202… 401K, IRA, Stocks Should You Use Your 401(k) or Retirement to Pay Off Deb… Tax Planning What Happens If You Don’t Pay Taxes? Understanding Pe… Tax Deductions and Credits Family Taxes: Take Advantage of Tax Savings Taxes 101 How Much Do You Have to Make to File Taxes? Demystifyin…