I started a sole-proprietorship consulting business in 2019. Before "hanging out my shingle" I met with several colleagues for market research, thus incurring mileage expenses. As this happened before opening for business, is this a legitimate business expense?
Also, in TurboTax would this be listed in "startup costs" or "business vehicle expense"?
Thank you in advance. Ken
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is this a legitimate business expense?
No. Vehicle use of a non-business vehicle not owned by the business prior to being officially "open for business" is not a legitimate business or start-up expense.
Don't get confused with what you read in Publication 535 about travel costs being start-up costs. That refers to things like plane tickets, bus fares, cab fares, etc. and other items related to transportation where you can provide solid proof that "this trip cost $X dollars and was for the sole purpose of getting my business off the ground."
Thank you very much Carl. Unfortunately I was misinterpreting and am very glad I asked. Sincerely, Ken
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