Yes.

I recently bought a house so I could take pictures of it so I am writing the cost off as a business expense.  When I am done taking pictures can I live in it?  Now if only the sites would accept pics of cars too.

(no, I am not serious)

Yes but you must eat it...

Neither am I. 

I recently bought a house so I could take pictures of it so I am writing the cost off as a business expense.  When I am done taking pictures can I live in it?  Now if only the sites would accept pics of cars too.

(no, I am not serious)

You can write a portion of the space in the house used for the business, a portion of internet, phone, transportation and more.

While you are 100% correct, it's allowed and legitimate. It's also a red flag and you'll be much more likely to be audited if you claim a portion of the home, or car, or Internet, as "business". Ask some accountants. Sometimes it's not worth the trouble.

I depreciate the cameras. I keep receipts for props, lighting, perishable items that are consumed in making photos. I've never tried to charge off travel, or lodging, but I could? I like to keep these as a safety net, should the IRS decide to audit my returns. That way, I have padding to my benefit.

I'll add that the IRS is actually pretty reasonable as long as you aren't trying to cheat or fool them. Where I've had the worst cases was the two times that the state sent out someone to pick at my accounts for a week. Wow one time they found a $1.63 error after days going over my files. Talk about inefficient Government and waste.

But shooting food, save the receipts and just like a model release, attach a photo. Now you have your proof. And then ask yourself Tom, is the 25% off the cost of the food, worth the time and effort documenting it and the risk of being audited for claiming the deduction?

Renting an airplane, hiring a model, and many other things are expensive. Food that you will eat after the shoot? How important is that and what's the return vs risk?

You can write a portion of the space in the house used for the business, a portion of internet, phone, transportation and more.

Car mileage is my biggest photography expense. Hotel and other travel costs add up quickly depending on your travels. In the USA, take the deduction. (Consult your accountant or tax adviser! because I'm not one!)

Once food is styled how often can you eat it?  I thought you used Elmer's glue, murphy's oil and blow torches etc.  Don't kill the mystic for me

My "styling" is cooking it.  Or pouring it into a frosty mug.

Quote from: Uncle Pete on March 06, 2014, 22:46

Yes but you must eat it...

Neither am I. 

Quote from: pancaketom on March 06, 2014, 22:33

I recently bought a house so I could take pictures of it so I am writing the cost off as a business expense.  When I am done taking pictures can I live in it?  Now if only the sites would accept pics of cars too.

(no, I am not serious)

Ginger Bread House ?

I already did that one and my daughter eat the house afterwards 

And I'll remind, you depreciate equipment like cameras and flashes, it's not a one time deduction.

You can use a section 179 to do it all at once.  That's what I do.

There's a lot of information on the IRS website that explains, with examples, what you can deduct and what you can't.
IMHO if you are honest and reasonable about it, and keep good records, you should be okay.

Your equipment will be listed on your Schedule C and if you sell it, that is reported on Schedule C.
If you are confused by the IRS publications, you might consider having an accountant do your taxes to be sure you do them correctly.
If you use TurboTax, you'll need the small business edition.

Howdy,

 My company has been audited by the IRS it is a big pain in the butt. The best thing I can share is yes you can deduct those expenses but make sure your file system is dialed in. We start off by writing on the back of the receipt what was used from the receipt and for what shoot and date. We were fine and passed with no extra due but the effort to pull all that information will shut down your operation for weeks if you are not completely organized. Keep deducting but build a strong filing system for if and when the day arrives.

Best,
J