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If you want to work from home, you will have to set up a workable
home office. A workable office will give you a much better chance of succeeding in what ever business you decide to go into.
Designing a workable office at home can be very exciting and fun. Let's face it, working from home it
what most of us desire. What a luxury it would be, not having to travel back and forth to work using expensive gas.
Let's not get ahead of ourselves. There are certain things to cover, before we jump into any room and start
working. We must think about designing and planning, what we want and need in our home office. This first step can determine
if we fail or succeed in our home based business.
So why is so important to have a good working office
at home? Why can't I just work anywhere in the house. If you think you can set in front of the T.V. in your favorite chair
or couch, with your computer on your lap, then you are heading for disaster. Think about it, have you ever seen a business
let its employees do this? NO! I think you know the reason why not!
I have written this page about a
workable home office in a way that you can move from one step to the next. I want to help you build a proper working office
the first time, without having to redo it over and over. I will provide you some of my proven ideals to better help you succeed
in your home based business.
LOCATION OF OFFICE: Hopefully you have a spare study or bedroom that is not
being used. This would be ideal for you office. If not maybe a comfortable garage with air and heat. If none of these are
available, you will have to use your bedroom, kitchen or living room. Using any of the last three places is going to be a
hardship for you. There will be lots of distractions around you that you will have to contend with. We just have to do our
best in this situation.
ESTABLISH BOUNDARIES: When I say boundaries, I mean keeping anything away from
you that will distract from the job at hand. You will need "peace & quite". Get your office comfortably away
from the common noises of the house. Discuss this with the family prior to setting up your workable office. Make rules for
the family ahead of time, about what you need when you are working. They must respect and follow these rules.
WORK SCHEDULE: I can not stress this section strong enough! You do not have a "Boss" at home, watching over
everything you do. Therefore you must be "Self-Motivated" and have "Self Discipline" to survive in a home
based business. You cannot get up at 10 AM, drink some coffee and read the news paper. Set your work habits in the beginning
and do not waver. If you do not treat your business as a real job, you more than likely will fail.
SUPPORT
AT HOME: As you read this paragraph, you will probably think I'm just putting in filler to maker a longer article. Trust
me, I'm not. The biggest problem I have had since working from my home office, is the lack of family support. This may
sound terrible to you, but that's the way it was for me, maybe you will do better. A lot of spouses and family members
consider what you are doing in your office not a real job. A spouse may ever thing because you are home all day, you should
spend the time with him/her. This will probably not change until the money starts coming in. Meanwhile just prepare yourself
mentally and stay strong in your convictions.
HOME OFFICE TAXES: Remember this is a business and you
will have to file taxes on your home business. You will be required to know what the Federal and State Laws are on Home Based
Business. States laws will vary from state to state. One example is some states require home business to have a business
license others will not. Knowing the tax laws is your responsibility. So keep accurate and detailed records concerning business
expensive, deductions and income. I have found for my home business a fantastic product called NITRO TAX HELPER. This Easy to Use Software Eliminates the Tax nightmare of home business taxes. Get it now do not wait till tax season. Start
now, storing all your business transactions.
I also recommend you purchase a good business accounting
software. The best two for a home office business is Quicken 2008 Try it out for free first!. The other is QuickBooks 2008. Each is designed to keep your finances in one place. It helps to maximize your business deductions and much more. I personally
use the Quicken Home & Business, because it is all I need. The QuickBooks is a little more advanced, and does a little
more. Remember they are both a business deduction.
If you are not sure your Home Business will qualify
as a home business deduction go online to the IRS home page and type home office in the search box. If you meet the requirements then claim your business. Do not be afraid
of an audit. If you meet the requirements you will have nothing to worry about. Read the entire report, is will inform you
of what you can and cannot deduct concerning your home office.
I like to do my own taxes. With the great
tax programs selling today, I can not see paying the high price of a tax person. Thats just me, if you feel uncomfortable
doing it yourself, by all means hire someone. The tax program software today will not let you make a mistake. It takes
you by the hand and lead you through every step of the process. Millions of people are doing their own taxes today, why not
be one of them.
OFFICE EQUIPMENT: Make your office comfortable. This is the place you will be spending
most of your day. Hang pictures and art or repaint your office. Being comfortable in your office help you to concentrate
better, think better and relax more. Remember most items are can be deducted as office expensive. Keep receipts-keep receipts-keep
receipts-keep receipts.
Listed is the minimum amount of equipment you will need to get your home office
up and running.
1. Nice comfortable chair.
2. A desk to do your work from.
3. Computer.
4. Printer.
5. Phone.(you could start without the phone, but most homes already have one installed)
Once you are started and working from your office, lets look at some of the nicer equipment to have.
1. High Speed Internet.
2. High Speed Computer.
3. Fax Machine.
4. Seperate
phone line.
5. Good business software.
6. Book shelves/pictures
7. Extra chair or
nice sofa for guest.
These items may have to wait until the money starts coming iin from your home business.
With hard work it will!!
I suggest when first starting your home office, go ahead and buy some business
cards,letter head and even some mailing stickers. Vista Print  is the cheapest and best I have used. I strongly recommend getting a logo from Logo Maker  for your business right away. This lets everyone know who you are and makes you look serious about your business. Be professional
in everything you do.
I am not an accountant or tax preparer. So after you look at the IRS requirement
for a home office and you have any questions, you should contact a certified tax consultant. I am not qualified to give advise
on tax laws or legal advice.
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