Okay, I don't do U.S. taxes; I do Canadian income tax. I would suggest that getting a pro to do your taxes will probably save you money. It's a good idea to get someone who specializes in self-employment and if you can find someone who already handles detailers, so much the better. You could even go to H&R Block, especially if you can get a recommendation for a specific tax preparer. The quality of their tax preparers varies wildly. Even if you only use a professional once, it will help you out (if you get a good one). It wouldn't hurt to talk to an accountant or other tax pro now, as opposed to waiting until it is time to do your income tax.
There is probably a pamphlet from the IRS for self-employed persons. It will give you a good idea of what sorts of things you can deduct, e.g., office in home expenses. Check their website, you might be able to download it or order it online. Another suggestion is to have a look at the extra schedules that self-employed persons have to fill out with their tax returns. There will be lines for the most common expenses and their is a guide.
I'm self-employed and I keep a log in a sprial notebook that lives in the pocket in the door of my car. I record every biz trip (meeting with client, trips to the post office, trips to the bank, trips to government agencies, trips for biz shopping, etc.). I write down the odometer readings, the date, and the purpose of the trip. I also mark every fillup - cost, number of litres, odometer reading. I also write down any parking for biz, including how much I put in a parking meter.
