taxes

[twokidsmom,rn]

I have been working for a HH agency since July. I get 45cents a mile, I bought a printer and use it just for work. I bought a laptop but use it for personal too. I did my taxes without deducting any expenses and I do not owe anything. Should I bother getting an accountant or just leave it as is and be glad I do not owe anything?

[caliotter3]

Get Publication 17 for free from the IRS and look up the section on business expenses. Doing your taxes is not that difficult if you take the time to look up the information. Complicated issues, should, of course, be taken to a professional. Or, you can have a CPA do it for you one year, then just do the same forms the way he did them, for yourself, the following year.

[systoly]

Not enough info. First, if you take the standard, the printer won't make a difference, unless it's a high $ laser printer. I do deduct office supplies, including my laptop that I have to use (in a work related manner), but I itemize to begin with. As far as mileage is concerned, I believe this year, the IRS allows $0.50/mile, so if you drove 5000 miles it's a difference of $250, something to check into.