I was told that first time purchases could be counted as write offs. As in, I need to use and know the products before I can sell them to other people. Is this correct?

[michellelforman]

The products are essential oils.  Can I write off all of my first time purchases?  If so, what category do they go under?

[PatriciaV]

As a representative of a direct selling company, you are a self-employed entrepreneur. All activity related to this business is reported on Schedule C ..

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. You will be prompted to upgrade to TurboTax Home & Business if you have not already done so.

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.

The products you purchased in order to join the business may be considered samples, supplies, or other expenses. These are deductible at your cost, not the retail price.

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.

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.