Advertising expenses

Because I am a member of the General Assembly, I am often called upon to place ads in trade journals, books or magazines put out by various organizations in my district. Can I deduct the cost of these ads? 
When these ads are paid for by you and are a necessary part of your business in order to maintain relations with your constituency or are used to promote your name (which is necessary for an elected official), their cost may be deducted as a business expense on your tax return (subject to the 2% of adjusted gross income limitation). If these ads appear during a reelection campaign period in which you are involved, it would probably be best to exclude the cost of these ads from your tax-deductible items (because such campaign expenses are not deductible). Ideally, ads appearing during your campaign would be paid for with campaign contributions.

I buy calendars, pens or similar items containing my contact information to pass out to my constituency. Can I deduct such items?
Since this is directly related to the business purpose of adequately and properly serving your constituency, you may deduct the cost of these items on your tax return. Keep in mind, however, that expenses incurred during campaign time must be excluded. These expenses are also subject to the 2% of adjusted gross income limitation. 

More on the Ohio Legislator's Guide to 2007 Taxes

Back to Public home page