Independent contractor

[Jgoeck]

This is my first year as an independent contractor. I am a dog walker through Rover. My first question is about writing off mileage. I’ve heard different things about what I can claim. Is it just mileage between appointments or can I include the drive to the first appointment and home from the last appointment?

[jkellett2]

You may be able to claim that mileage.  

Driving from home to a principal place of business is considered a commute, even for those who are self-employed or small business owners. Only those who have a home office as their principal place of business can deduct mileage when driving to and from home for business-related purposes.

So, if you use a portion of your home exclusively for business, you would be able to claim the mileage from home to your first appointment and from your last appointment back home.

For more information on claiming Business Use of Home Expense, click here .