Project Management Consulting for a 1099

April 15th is bearing down on us. If you are a Project Management consultant who bills time gross as I do, then get a form 1099 from your client at year-end there are expense categories you should be tracking to make your business return easier to finally file. Here's the short list (I use an Excel spreadsheet with the same column headings):

Home Office - and associated mortgage interest, rent, utilities

Car mileage

Depreciation on computers and other office equipment or furniture

Supplies

Telecommunication services

Business Travel

Advertising

Legal and Professional Fees (*your Project Management Institute membership is expensed here)

Taxes and Licenses

Meals and Entertainment

Health Insurance

Commissions

Project Support Labor

Interest Payments

Rental Payments

Repairs and Maintenance

Utilities

Other Miscellaneous
*Aha, so you are a Project Manager who consults, but not yet a Project Management Professional? With experience, study of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBoK), and a Project Management Professional Exam simulator you can pass (and deduct your study costs, test fee, and then professional association fees. My PMP exam simulator is not an Internet web app, but a Windows software (all versions) rich client, that is diagnostic and revolutionary as an exam readiness tool (see the latest Star Trek remake and how Vulcans learn). You can use it on a train or plane, or when the staff meeting droning gets to you and the WI-FI is weak. As an additional benefit, the sim's content may inspire you with an idea for spicing up that dull project meeting or help get that wayward project back on track.

And oh, BTW, if you are a tax maven like me and my compatriots, we also offer, several other professional and technical exam sims that include one for the Enrolled Agent Exam.