- When you work as a sales representative, there is a high likelihood that you will engage in travel in your own car frequently. You may have to drive to customers houses or businesses to call on them. The mileage that you drive for these purposes is deductible on your taxes. You need to keep a logbook to keep track of how many miles you drive for business purposes. Driving to and from work is not a deductible expense.
- Many times when you work as a commissioned employee, your employer will send you out of town for some type of training or seminar. If you have to pay for the expenses yourself, you can deduct them from your taxes. This includes anything that you may have paid for lodging, as well as for travel expenses to get there. You can deduct any meals or other expenses that you may have had while you were traveling for business as well.
- Part of working as a commission employee involves getting out and networking in your local area. Many times, this requires you to join associations or other organizations. This allows you to attend meetings and gatherings so that you can get out and meet people that could help you grow your business. To join these organizations, you will generally have to pay fees or dues. When you pay these expenses, you can deduct them from your taxable income when you file your tax return.
- If your employer does not provide you with a workspace, you may have to work in an office in your home. When this is the case, you can take a deduction for having a home office. This allows you to deduct a portion of your mortgage payment, your electric bill, gas bill, Internet and any other expense that is related to your home office. The deduction that you take is based on the size of your office in relation to the size of your entire house.