Can we deduct business expenses (tool and equipment purchases) made at the end of 2016 for a new independent contractor job that didn't actually start until 2017?

[MichaelMc · Accepted solution]

Yes, you can claim your business expenses, but not on your 2016 tax return. The general rule is that business startup expenses are deductible in the year when active trade or business begins. Since you had no income-generating events in 2016, your startup expenses will become deductible in 2017, when your new business begins to generate revenue. Please see IRS Pub. 535 Business Expenses for more information.

Also, you must distinguish between startup expenses (licenses, permits, legal fees, pre-opening advertising, etc.) and the amount spent on business assets (machines, equipment, vehicles, etc.). These assets are depreciable over their useful life, although in many cases can be expensed in the first year put in service under Section 179 of the Internal Revenue Code. When you are ready to file your 2017 tax return, TurboTax Self-Employed (or TurboTax Business if you have incorporated or created a partnership) will guide you through the steps to enter information about these assets and make the correct choices to expense or depreciate their value.