Tax Deductions for Architects
Architects are typically self-employed contractors working for building firms on a project-by-project basis. As self-employed workers in the United States, architects may take advantage of a bevy of tax deductions not available to regular wage earners. These tax deductions may be used for everything from gas mileage to dining out.
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Tools of the Trade
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As a self-employed architecture, the tools of your trade -- from drafting software to pencils, paper, your business computer and drafting board -- are all tax deductions. The key is to hang on to the receipts so that you can prove all of those purchases. Additionally, the materials must be used for business purposes in order to be included as deductions. For this reason, it's a good idea to own at least two computers -- one solely for business and one for personal use.
Office or Work Space
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Your place of business, such as a home office or rented workspace is tax deductible if you are a self-employed architect. You may use this tax break to deduct rent payments, utility bills and the cost of office furniture, such as a desk and chairs, from your taxes. If your office is in your home, you are required to deduct its square footage from the overall size of the home to determine the percentage of rent or mortgage devoted to the office.
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Travel Costs
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The costs associated with traveling to the job site to supervise building or to select materials for the client may be deducted from your taxes as an architect. According to the Internal Revenue Service, as of 2010 the reimbursement rate for business mileage is 50 cents per mile. If you lease a vehicle solely for business purposes you may deduct those payments from your taxes, according to Bankrate.com's website. If you're making payments on a vehicle for business purposes, you may deduct any interest on the auto loan from your taxes as well as any depreciation in the value of the vehicle.
Meals With Clients
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You have every reason to pick up the check when attending a business lunch or dinner. Business-related meals and events where business is discussed are 50 percent deductible at the end of the year. Direct gifts to clients are 100 percent deductible but are limited to $25 per person per year.
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