It's the end of the year and time to get your taxes in order.  If you're a home-based recruiter, now is the time to take advantage of ALL of your tax saving deductions.  Let's start with some basic rules for saving money at tax time.

1.    Keep all of your records and stay organized.  Pinpoint what deductions you want to take for the year and begin organizing those records before it's time to see your accountant. And that brings us to our next point.

2.    Yes, you need an accountant.  Yes, it costs money; but it is the best and easiest way to save on taxes and reduce the chances of being audited.  Unless you were an accountant in your former professional life, it is highly recommended that you work with an accountant to prepare your taxes.  Another added advantage of working with an accountant is that he/she will be aware of any recent changes in the tax laws, saving you time, hassle and money.

3.    If you work from home, make sure that your home has an office that is "regularly and exclusively used for your home-based recruiting business" so that you can claim the home office tax deduction.  That means that if you want to use the home office tax deduction you cannot use your home office for other things, such as a space for entertainment, cooking or the kids' playroom.

Okay, now that we've got that out of the way, let's take a look at some of the things you can deduct from your taxes as a home-based recruiter.

•    All ordinary and necessary expenses considered customary for your type of business
•    Fees paid to professionals; such as the accountant you hire to file your taxes
•    Advertising costs
•    Postage expenses
•    Telephone expenses
•    Annual credit card fees on your business accounts
•    Educational and training classes/conferences related to your business
•    Transportation expenses
•    Insurance
•    Office furniture
•    Depreciation on business equipment
•    Expenses related to maintaining and repairing business equipment
•    Offices supplies
•    Wages paid to employees

Talk to your accountant to find out other tax deductions you may claim as a home-based recruiter.