Deducting travel from your taxes: Business English for Entrepreneurs.

When you’re an entrepreneur, you have to pay taxes.

And sometimes you have to travel for business…so, if you’re like some of the rest of us, you might be wondering how to travel more and pay fewer taxes!

In today’s lesson, you’ll learn Business English expressions that will help you talk about travel and tax deductions.

So can you deduct your travel from your taxes?
And how can you use your English to find out?

I’ve got a few surprises for you in today’s lesson–including a bit of humor! Ready?

Take the quiz at the end of this lesson!

Did you know that I’ve created a quick and easy quiz to go with this lesson so that you can practice everything you see here today? I want you to make this part of the English you actually use in real life! To try out today’s quiz, just scroll down to the last section and you’ll find the instructions there…and the answers too!

What you’ll learn in this article:

1. Business English for Entrepreneurs–tax deductions and travel? Check with your accountant!
2. Business English for Entrepreneurs–tax deductions and travel? A dialogue with your accountant.
3. Business English for Entrepreneurs–tax deductions and travel? Test yourself with the quiz.

1. Business English for Entrepreneurs–tax deductions and travel? Check with your accountant!

Remember, this is a Business English lesson for smart and motivated entrepreneurs–not tax advice😉.

Sometimes it’s smart to talk to an expert.  And we’re an international community here at Business English With Christina, so be sure to find an expert that knows your local laws.

2. Business English for Entrepreneurs–tax deductions and travel? A dialogue with your accountant.

Here comes today’s dialogue. See if you can listen for the new expressions–and remember them. That way, you’ll be ready for today’s quiz! You’ll find it, and the answers at the end of the blog post.

And if you’d like to listen to this dialogue between advanced English speakers be sure to watch today’s video lesson.

Ready?

Entrepreneur: 
Hi there! I’m calling because I’m leaving on a trip and I was wondering… Can I deduct this trip as a business expense?  (=to pay less in taxes because you spent money on your business)

Accountant:
It may be possible to deduct your travel expenses, like airfare, hotel, or dining expenses like restaurants. Is your trip business-related? Will it help your business? Or is it more of a personal trip?

Entrepreneur: 
Well, I work in IT and I’d like to attend a yoga and massage retreat in Bali. 

Accountant:
Hmmm, is that relevant to your business? (=related to or necessary for your business.) I mean, do you need yoga and massage to do IT work? 

Entrepreneur: 
Yes, actually, we specialize in IT solutions for online yoga businesses.  And, well, after my business partners and I get some massage therapy, we’ll be much more relaxed for our business meetings later this year. So I think it’s definitely relevant.

Accountant:
I see…well, it might be easier to justify (=to show that it was necessary) the yoga part of the trip.  But the massage part might be more difficult to deduct. You may be mixing personal and business travel–so you can deduct a portion of your trip.  How long will you be there?

Entrepreneur: 
3 weeks.

Accountant: 
Does the conference last 3 weeks? 

Entrepreneur: 
Uh, no, but once we’re there, we thought we’d do some sightseeing and hang out at the beach. And maybe work remotely (=work from far away/out of the office)…yeah, now that I mention it, If I bring my laptop, can I just say I’m working the entire time? I can work anywhere…

Accountant:
Um I’m not sure that’s the best idea…

Entrepreneur:
Wow, I’m so glad I called you. You always have the best ideas. And don’t worry, I remember what you said before– “Document, document, document!” That’s why you’re my accountant–to keep me out of trouble. So I’ll b  It was great talking to you, as always. I’ve got a plane to catch. (Document your expenses=keep your receipts)

Accountant: 
Wait, um, Hello? Hello?

Also check out my lesson: Conversation secrets for business success

3. Business English for Entrepreneurs–tax deductions and travel? Test yourself with the quiz.

Alright, it’s time for your weekly quiz. This way you can test yourself, be active in your learning–and remember more of the English you need for business.

Choose the right answer to these questions about the dialogue above.

1. The accountant thinks the entrepreneur should try to deduct

a) All of the travel expenses for the trip.
b) A portion (part of) the expenses from the trip.
c) None of the expenses.

2. The entrepreneur is going to “document, document, document” her expenses. This means…

a) She’ll bring all her travel documents on the trip: passport, ID card, visas…
b) She’ll remember to keep track of how much everything costs in a spreadsheet.
c) She’ll keep proof of her expenses—like receipts from restaurants or hotels.

3. According to the accountant, is getting a massage at a yoga retreat a business expense?

a) Yes! Because business is stressful, and we should be able to deduct massages from our taxes.
b) No, because it’s not business-related.
c) No, because the entrepreneur doesn’t have a receipt.

Did you find the answers to today’s quiz? Head down to the comments section to see if you understood (and remembered) these business English expressions for entrepreneurs.

Are You an Entrepreneur Who Needs English for Your Business? Get the English Habits Starter Kit I created just for entrepreneurs and business owners and change your English and your business.

Improve your English in the comments

The best way to become more confident using Business English is to practice!

Here’s your Confidence Challenge for this week:

1. Is there someplace you’d love to travel on business? A conference, or professional event? Or something else?
2. Tell us about it in the comments.

If you learned something from this lesson, please share it with your coworkers & friends. You can send your message to them in English for more practice!

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Are You an Entrepreneur Who Needs English for Your Business?

You know where you need to go with your business–and that your English can help you get there.

And if you want your English to work for you–you need to work on your English a little bit every day.
You need an English Habit that fits your busy schedule.
And that can take you to the advanced level of English you need.
You need the best possible strategies right now–because your time is precious.

So how do you do that?
You’ll find everything you need in the English Habits Starter Kit I created just for entrepreneurs and business owners.