How to Start a Side Hustle

n 2023, the average direct deposit tax refund was approximately $3,000. If you are expecting a tax refund this tax season and you’ve been thinking about starting a side hustle or self-employed business, that kind of money can come in handy. Sometimes, a few thousand dollars makes all the difference. So, how exactly can you use your tax refund to start your business? Here are a few tips to help.

Buying Equipment

No matter what type of self-employed business you plan to go into, it’s almost certain you’ll need to have some sort of specialized equipment. At a minimum, you will likely need at least a computer, since it’s almost impossible to run any type of business these days without one. You might even need to use some of the cash to launch a website and marketing campaign, particularly if a large amount of your business is expected to come from the web.

But even beyond a computer, there’s other equipment you may need to use on a more direct level. For example, if you plan to start a landscaping service, you’ll need a lawnmower, a truck, some rakes, and other lawn maintenance equipment.

Stocking Up on Inventory

Though many self-employed businesses today are service-related, you’ll need to purchase inventory if you have a product-related business. Since it can be almost impossible to get financing for inventory, paying by cash may be the only way to get the products and items you need.

Paying cash for inventory will most likely be mandatory whether you need raw materials to make a finished product or your purchasing already made merchandise from a manufacturer. Having either materials or finished products available in-house will enable faster sales and a quicker buildup of your cash flow.

Making a Down Payment on a Business Vehicle

Many types of businesses require specialized vehicles. A mobile dog grooming service or a food truck are excellent examples. If you’re going to be involved in any type of service business, like home repairs, you’ll likely need a pickup truck or a van.

But even if you don’t need specialized equipment, you may need a new vehicle specifically for your business. Many businesses require significant time on the road, either selling, delivering a product, or even just driving itself if you are a rideshare driver. While you may be able to do that with your current vehicle, you may also need to trade up to a vehicle that’s more appropriate for the business you’re going into.

Not only can using your car for your business assist you in making more money, you can deduct the business use of your car on your taxes. 

Keeping a Cash Cushion

Probably the single factor most underestimated by new self-employed business owners is the length of time it can take to create reliable cash flow from your business. In some businesses, that may happen in a matter of weeks. But months are a far more common outcome.

You’ll need cash to cover your living expenses until your cash flow is available to get the job done. An average tax refund may not be sufficient to cover several month’s living expenses, but it will certainly help when added to existing funds.

This can turn out to be the single best use of your tax refund. After all, you may be able to purchase equipment through manufacturer financing, and even inventory using a credit card.

But you’ll need a healthy amount of cash available to cover living expenses.

Parting Thoughts on Your Tax Refund

Some people think of a tax refund as “found money” and use it to do something fun.

That may mean buying entertainment or paying for a family vacation. While those uses are fine, it may be better to recognize your tax refund as a windfall and use it to generate more income.

That’s exactly what you’ll be doing if you invest it in a new self-employed business. Once you have it up and running, it can provide additional cash flow to supplement your household income or something you can do full-time.

When you think of it that way, using your tax refund to start a business may be the single best purpose for your tax refund possible. And, remember that many of these business expenses are tax deductible.

No matter what moves you made last year, TurboTax will make them count on your taxes. Whether you want to do your taxes yourself or have a TurboTax expert file for you, we’ll make sure you get every dollar you deserve and your biggest possible refund – guaranteed.