The amount you can write off in your first year of business depends on several factors, including your business structure, the type of expenses incurred, and applicable tax laws.

Here are some general guidelines…

1. Start-up Costs – You may be able to deduct certain start-up costs incurred before your business begins operating. The IRS allows you to deduct up to $5,000 in start-up costs in your first year of business. Any remaining start-up costs can be amortized (deducted) over a period of 180 months (15 years).
2. Organizational Costs – If you incurred expenses related to organizing your business entity, such as legal fees or incorporation costs, you can deduct up to $5,000 in organizational costs in your first year. Similar to start-up costs, any excess organizational costs can be amortized over 180 months.
3. Business Expenses – You can deduct ordinary and necessary business expenses incurred in the course of operating your business. This includes expenses such as rent, utilities, office supplies, advertising, salaries, and other costs directly related to your business activities.
4. Section 179 Deduction – The Section 179 deduction allows you to deduct the full cost of certain qualifying business assets, such as equipment, furniture, and vehicles, in the year they are placed in service, rather than depreciating them over time. For tax year 2023, the maximum Section 179 deduction is $1,080,000.
5. Bonus Depreciation – In addition to the Section 179 deduction, you may be eligible for bonus depreciation, which allows you to deduct a percentage of the cost of qualifying property in the first year it is placed in service. For tax year 2023, bonus depreciation is set at 100%.

It’s important to keep detailed records of your business expenses and consult with a tax professional or accountant to ensure that you are maximizing your deductions and complying with all applicable tax laws and regulations. Tax laws and deductions may vary by country, so it’s essential to be aware of the specific rules and regulations that apply to your jurisdiction.