I traveled to a conference in March,2017 to research and interview for jobs. I actually started freelancing in October. Are the travel and conference expenses deductible?

[rockefeller92]

If so, what category would they go into?

[DianeW · Accepted solution]

Yes, you can consider those expenses "startup expenses" if they were directly attributable to establishing your freelance business.

"Business start-up and organizational costs are generally capital expenditures. However, you can elect to deduct up to $5,000 of business start-up and $5,000 of organizational costs paid or incurred after October 22, 2004. The $5,000 deduction is reduced by the amount your total start-up or organizational costs exceed $50,000. Any remaining costs must be amortized.

Start-up costs include any amounts paid or incurred in connection with creating an active trade or business or investigating the creation or acquisition of an active trade or business.     Organizational costs include the costs of creating a corporation. "

Note: You can elect to deduct or amortize certain business startup costs. Refer to chapters 7 and 8 of Publication 535, Business Expenses.

To record your startup expenses in TurboTax sign into your account.

1. Select Federal in the navigation bar, left
2. Select Income & Expenses
3. Edit your self employment activity
4. Select Add expenses for this work 
5. Scroll to find Startup costs
6. Continue to enter your expenses (click the images attached to enlarge and view for assistance)