Summertime Outdoor Expenses: A Hidden Treasure for Family Child Care Providers

As the warm breeze of summer gently caresses your face, you find yourself immersed in the joys of tending to your garden, tackling home repairs, and revitalizing your outdoor space. But wait! What if I told you that amidst the dirt under your fingernails and the sweat on your brow, there lies a hidden treasure trove of deductible expenses?

Yes, you read that right! As a family child care provider, you have the power to transform those seemingly mundane outdoor tasks into a financial blessing for your business. The key lies in understanding that maintaining a safe and inviting environment for the children in your care is not just a labor of love, but also a vital aspect of attracting and retaining clients.

So, let's embark on a delightful journey through the realm of ordinary and necessary expenses. Here are just a few examples of the outdoor items that can be your allies in the battle against taxes:

- Awnings

- Cement work on a driveway or walkway around your home

- Deck

- Doorbell

- Fence

- Flowers

- Garage door opener

- Gutters and drain pipes

- House siding

- Lawn mowing/maintenance service

- Lawn sprinkler system

- Patio Security system

- Stair/deck railings

- Storm or screen windows

- Termite and other pest control

- Tool shed

- Yard tools (rake, shovel, wheelbarrow, etc.)

Now, here's the golden rule of deductions: If an item is used 100% for your business, deduct 100% of the cost. If it's used for both business and personal purposes, use your Time-Space Percentage to determine the deductible portion. And if it's only used for personal purposes, don't deduct any of it. This is the key to maximizing your deductions while staying on the right side of the tax law.

So, the next time you find yourself at the local garden store or home improvement center, don't just see it as a shopping trip—see it as an opportunity to cultivate your business's financial growth. Save those receipts like they're precious seeds, ready to be planted in the fertile soil of your tax deductions.

Remember, as a family child care provider, you are not just nurturing young minds; you are also nurturing your own financial well-being. Embrace the joy of summertime outdoor expenses, knowing that each deductible item is a stepping stone towards a brighter, more prosperous future for you and the children in your care. And always keep in mind the golden rule of deductions to ensure you're making the most of your outdoor expenses while staying compliant with tax regulations.