Earnings and Expenses of Self-Employment
Can one legally regard a self-employed monthly salary as an expense instead of treating it as their net earnings?
No: Self-employed persons should separate income from expenditure. Net income is determined after deducting all expenses from gross income.
Is it possible to claim business expenses without self-employment income?
Yes: Self-employment business expenses can be claimed irrespective of the fact that you do not have any income, but this would lead to a loss over a year.
Is self-employment income a gross or net income?
Net: For purposes of taxation, self-employment income is usually determined by taking gross income and deducting net business losses.
Can payroll be deducted as a business expense?
Yes: Salaries and wages paid to employees are included in payroll, which is an expense for the business and can, therefore, be deducted from tax.
Is it possible for a self-employed individual to pay oneself a salary?
No: Self-employed individuals do not salary themselves but can draw or take distributions from business profits.
Filing tax returns according to the law can be challenging because you have to keep records that are up to date. It is important to seek advice from a tax professional to avoid legal issues and maximize the benefits you are entitled to because of your business activities.