Donna F 77
Employee Tax Expert

Self employed

You have been told correctly that you can deduct business expenses even if you don't itemize deductions.  They are two completely separate items on your tax return.  Itemized deductions are basically personal deduction amounts that you are allowed if they add up to more than the standard deduction.  Everyone is entitled to claim either the standard or itemized deductions.  Business expenses are only allowed to be deducted by individuals reporting self employment income and expenses on their tax return.  These are reported on Schedule C.  The entire Schedule C is basically a Profit & Loss statement for your business.  It shows all income of the business and all expenses of the business.  The net income (or loss) from the business is then carried over to Schedule 1 of your tax return.

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