Business/Tax Question, Help Please

[windwalker]

I have a question that I could use some help with. I know some of you on the WISH are skilled in business and finance and I'm green about such things.

I want to start a business but would like to do it as a non-profit, public service kind of thing.

I want to teach fitness (walking) classes, be a speaker at places like weight watchers. Generally just promote fitness in the community. I would like to to it free of charge but I would like to be able to deduct my expences.

Is this possible? Any help would be wonderfull.

Thanks

Dave

 

[CarolA]

If you donate time to a charity (YMCA, church, scouts) you are allowed to deduct the expenses associated with it (mileage, cost of handouts etc)

If you speak at WW, nothing is decuctible. That's a business.

If you just round up folks on your own, probably still not deductible.

 

[Steffwalks]

You could speak at Weight Watchers mentioning that you give private lessons for a certain fee and deduct it as advertising/public relations. But you need to also consider that you would be competing with the fitness club you are working for.

 

[ultramickeymouse]

Non Profit = lots of red tape and regulations. Do it as a business and go from there. Make money and write off expenses.