75+ Tax Write-Offs for Business Owners

Our most frequently asked question during tax season is, “Can I write that off?”

When it comes to tax deductions for business owners, the best way to ensure that an expense can be written off as a tax deduction is to ask us—people who are familiar with your unique business and the tax code.

For an expense to be deductible, it must be both ORDINARY and NECESSARY for your business.

Per the IRS, "An ordinary expense is one that is common and accepted in your industry. A necessary expense is one that is helpful and appropriate for your trade or business. An expense does not have to be indispensable to be considered necessary."

With that being said, I've compiled a list of 75+ expenses that could be deductible for you.

 The Expenses

Office

  • Office Furniture
  • Utility Expenses
  • Rent Expense
  • Office Supplies
  • Internet Expenses
  • Cleaning Services
  • Telecommunications
  • Moving Expenses
  • Building Maintenance + Repairs
 

Staff

  • Payroll Expenses
  • Medical Insurance
  • Training Expenses
  • Year-End Bonuses
  • Uniforms
  •  

     

Vehicle (1)

  • Highway Tolls
  • Depreciation
  • Maintenance + Fuel
  • Mileage

 

 

 

Contractors

  • Contract Labor
  • Sales Commissions
  • Professional Services
  • Consulting Fees
  • Accounting Services
  • Tax Preparation
  • Realtor Commissions
  • Web Designer

Miscellaneous

  • Amortization
  • Depreciation
  • Interest Expense
  • Certain Taxes Paid
  • Business Licenses
  • Meals & Entertainment
  • Bad Debt Expenses
  • Start-Up Costs
  • Charitable Contributions
  • Client Gifts (up to $25/client)
 

COGS

  • Manufacturing Costs
  • Direct Labor Costs
  • Shipping Costs
  • Inventory
  • Storage Costs

 

 

Banking

  • Monthly Service Charges
  • Payment Processor Fees
  • ACH/Transfer Fees
  • Account Set Up Fees

 

 

Advertising

  • Logo Design + Branding
  • Social Media Templates
  • Company Signage
  • Business Cards
  • Paid Online Ads
  • Printed Flyers
  • Purchased Ad Space
  • Sponsoring An Event

Insurance

  • Workers' Comp Insurance
  • Professional + General Liability Insurance
  • Malpractice Insurance
  • Rental Insurance
  • Cyber Liability Insurance
  • Employee Health Insurance
 

Education (2)

  • Conferences
  • Webinars + Trainings
  • Industry Publications
  • CE Courses

 

Technology

  • Software + Licenses
  • Cell Phone
  • Tablets
  • Laptops + Computers
  • Wi-Fi Router

 

 

 

Business Travel (3)

  • Airline Tickets
  • Lodging Costs
  • Rental Car Expenses
  • Meals While Traveling
  • Baggage Fees
  • Dry Cleaning
  • Tips Paid While Traveling
  • Communication Costs

(1)    Must be for business use.

(2)    Must be tailored to your industry.

(3)    Must be for a business purpose AND away from your tax home.

If doing your taxes isn’t for you, reach out to us for help. We have been helping business owners like you with their taxes for years. 

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Independent Living Tax Credit

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