jjj
Level 1

Startup $5000 deduction not applying entire amount

Quick question.  New business started in Nov 2018 by my wife as sole proprietor and have under $5000 in startup costs.  Income together is $120,000 between the both of us jointly.  I have my own business as sole proprietor as well.  When I enter just advertising costs for 2 months of $1200, it only decreases the Federal Tax Due (in red at top) by only $216 instead of the entire $1200.  I tired to enter it under regular business expense and it is the same $216.  I thought startup deduction will decrease the Fed Tax by the same amount of $1200 (up to $5000).  Is it just a percentage of 18% then?