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dbkern22
New Member

I started selling Younique. Can I deduct the makeup I have purchased in support of the company to show clients? If so how much?

Since I started selling Younique I have had little luck selling to customers.  Currently my business is at a loss.  I have purchased approximately $4,000 worth of inventory and other business related products that I have on hand to show perspective buyers . Can I deduct these expenses from my income tax?

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PatriciaV
Employee Tax Expert

I started selling Younique. Can I deduct the makeup I have purchased in support of the company to show clients? If so how much?

Yes, a direct-selling business like Younique is reported on Schedule C, included in TurboTax Home & Business (and TurboTax Self-Employed Online). See the discussion below for how to claim some or all of your product purchase expenses. 

The easiest way to to find Schedule C in TurboTax is to use the Search box at the top right side of the TurboTax header. Enter "schedule c", hit Enter, then click "jump to schedule c". This will take you directly to the start of this section.

Follow the prompts to describe your business activity, then enter your income and expenses. You may be asked for a Business Code: most direct sales representatives use business code 454390 (Other direct selling establishments) and use the Cash Method.

Income may be reported on Form 1099-MISC, 1099-K, or entered under General Income under Business Income.

If the merchandise you purchased is for resale, it is considered Inventory. If you just started your business this year, your beginning inventory is $0 and the ending inventory is the cost of the products that you still have (did not sell). "Tell Us the Cost of Your Goods" should be the amount you paid to purchase the items from the company. If you used any products for yourself, you will enter than information as well (these expenditures are NOT deductible expenses).

If the items you purchased were used for advertising (not resale), you would include the amount you didn't use yourself under Other Common Business Expenses | Advertising. If you had product that was consumed for demonstration purposes, that amount would be entered under Supplies.

Other business expenses are listed under the Business Expenses section of your business.

You may claim a Home Office Deduction if you use a dedicated space in your home to store inventory and conduct business. The rules are very specific, so be sure to answer all questions as accurately as possible.

You may also claim Vehicle Expenses for mileage directly related to your business.

Sales taxes paid and collected are reported to your State Tax Office, and are deductible business expenses on your income tax return.

Be sure to keep good records.

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