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Never Have to Ask about Deductible Business Expenses Again

Every year, the most common question we get from self-employed and small business owners is "what ALL can I write off?" As small business owners ourselves, we have asked this very same question, and one year our business coach/mentor made it simple and plain:

"If this is the question you're asking your accountant or tax preparer, then we really should increase the focus on your business"

Initially, we were offended. Then, we were angry. But, after taking a moment and really breaking down what he said, we realized a few things:

  • our bookkeeping is bad
  • forecasts and budgets are limited
  • the business isn't profitable

Somehow, we believed that we would claim enough losses to get money from the government. This is bad business. What we really want is for the deductible expenses to help the business make money!

IRS Publication 535 contains comprehensive information about business expenses. As tax preparers, we absolutely love reading this publication each year (that is sarcasm 😝).

Ideally, BOSS Taxes is the provider of bookkeeping and accounting services and our clients can sit back and relax. Alternatively, we have refactored and reproduced a spreadsheet that provides an easy-to-use process for collecting, categorizing, and managing business expenses.

Click here to download our 1099 Expenses Workbook

If Excel is not your thing, below are some general categories of deductible and non-deductible business expenses.

Deductible Business Expenses Non-Deductible Business Expenses
  • Advertising and marketing
  • Bank fees and interest
  • Business mileage
  • Commissions
  • Educational expenses for employees
  • Employee benefits
  • Equipment maintenance and repair
  • Furniture
  • Home office (you’ll need to meet certain requirements such as that it is your main place of business)
  • Insurance
  • Membership dues (business-related expenses only)
  • Legal fees
  • Office supplies and equipment
  • Payroll (employees and contractors)
  • Rent or office lease
  • Mortgage payments
  • Software
  • Some costs of business travel
  • Utilities
  • Demolition expenses or losses
  • Educational expenses incurred to meet requirements to conduct business
  • Government fines and penalties
  • Illegal activities
  • Lobbying expenses
  • Political contributions

More questions? Don't worry, we got you!

Click here, and let's whip these taxes this year!