Thanks so much for the quick response! So if I'm understanding correctly, I can't deduct those startup costs until after a business is already started as in I've filed for a sole proprietorship or LLC for the business itself? If it helps, some examples of things I am thinking to deduct are the cost to join an incubator for entrepreneurs, a 3D printer, rotary tool, laptop, monitor, desk, materials for prototyping, things like that. Some of these definitely seem more like assets (3D printer, laptop, etc.) whereas perhaps I can consider the incubator and materials for prototyping as startup costs? Since I don't have a business off the ground yet, do I understand correctly that even though the money was spent in 2017, I shouldn't include them in my 2017 taxes? Thanks again!
