Thread: Paying for articles through a company

Most countries only allow companies to deduct expenses if they have an invoice from the person doing the work.

So at the moment I usually end up paying for articles via a personal account, when I'd much rather my company paid for them. That way they would be tax-deductible and only end up costing me half as much.

Same applies for design work and any other outsourcing found on forums etc

Is there a way round the problem? Do other people ask for an invoice from the writers doing the work?

I'm in France but knowing the way it works in other countries would also be useful.

Cheers

When I read the title i assumed you are from Europe,a way to do this would be to just find another company that does design or writing content or whatever you need,and just pay them,they can easily invoice you and you wouldn't have problems with this,the problem is that most people only work on a Paypal basis.

I would think a PayPal proof of payment with what was purchased in the subject would be sufficient evidence for any IRS auditor in the USA.

Have you tried emailing your suppliers with a template where they simply need to feel in their business info and send it back?

That's an interesting idea mporg, I had assumed that wasn't enough - usually they want something actuallly sent by the counterparty - but I guess it's worth asking our accountant at least.

Most people doing the work don't have a 'business' as such, they are just writing articles etc for me in their spare time, and I have no idea if they are declaring it as income on their own tax returns - probably not, I guess - so they might not be keen on putting anything in writing.

Cheers

Originally Posted by DickTracy

That's an interesting idea mporg, I had assumed that wasn't enough - usually they want something actuallly sent by the counterparty - but I guess it's worth asking our accountant at least.

Most people doing the work don't have a 'business' as such, they are just writing articles etc for me in their spare time, and I have no idea if they are declaring it as income on their own tax returns - probably not, I guess - so they might not be keen on putting anything in writing.

Cheers

Well yea,that's what most freelancers do,some do contracts but its rare,if it doesnt cost much,it would be probably best if you pay it from a personal account,but if that's too much,just find a company that writes articles for a reasonable price and that is reliable and stick with them.Good luck.

Originally Posted by DickTracy

Most countries only allow companies to deduct expenses if they have an invoice from the person doing the work.

So at the moment I usually end up paying for articles via a personal account, when I'd much rather my company paid for them. That way they would be tax-deductible and only end up costing me half as much.

Same applies for design work and any other outsourcing found on forums etc

Is there a way round the problem? Do other people ask for an invoice from the writers doing the work?

I'm in France but knowing the way it works in other countries would also be useful.

Cheers

Why on earth would you NOT ask for an invoice? Simply tell them that if they want to get paid then they need to send you an invoice. Invoice templates abound for free on the web... Excel templates... Word templates... etc.

There are no standards that I'm aware of that the invoice has to meet some standards.

If nothing else, simply pay for it with a company check and note that your are paying for an article on the memo line of the check.

If you're trying to run a business, don't pay people in ways that you cannot deduct the expenses on your company taxes.

Originally Posted by Social-Media

Why on earth would you NOT ask for an invoice? Simply tell them that if they want to get paid then they need to send you an invoice. Invoice templates abound for free on the web... Excel templates... Word templates... etc.

There are no standards that I'm aware of that the invoice has to meet some standards.

If nothing else, simply pay for it with a company check and note that your are paying for an article on the memo line of the check.

If you're trying to run a business, don't pay people in ways that you cannot deduct the expenses on your company taxes.

At least in my country,it doesn't work this way,the only way you can pay is with a giro transfer,so if someone doesn't accept that,you can't pay them over your company,and even if he does and doesn't pay the tax,you end up paying it.

I guess what you our referring to our agencies instead of companies. Agencies are the once making recruitments or outsourcing the work that's why you end up paying more. I suggest you just find individuals to the work rather than looking for companies which are rather expensive.