100 Tax Deductions for Self-Employed Business Owners
Technology and Equipment
Computers, laptops, and tablets.
Cameras and recording equipment.
Cloud storage services (Dropbox, Google Drive).
Website design and maintenance fees.
Cell phones purchased for business use.
Software or app purchases.
Travel and Transportation
Mileage (standard rate or actual expenses).
Airfare for business trips.
Rental car expenses.
Parking fees and tolls.
Gas (for business travel).
Vehicle maintenance and repairs.
Hotel accommodations.
Travel insurance for business trips.
Public transportation for business purposes.
Luggage or travel gear.
Business meals (50% deductible).
Home Office Expenses
Homeowners/renters insurance (pro-rated).
Home office furniture (desk, chair).
Security system.
Repairs and maintenance for the home office area.
Utilities (electricity, water, gas, internet).
Portion of rent or mortgage.
Property taxes (pro-rated).
Office and Supplies
Office supplies (paper, pens, envelopes).
Business cards.
Printer ink and toner.
Postage and shipping supplies.
Cleaning supplies for the office.
Stationery.
Filing cabinets or storage systems.
Professional Services
Accountant or bookkeeper fees.
Consulting fees.
Attorney fees for business matters.
Tax preparation services.
Payroll service fees.
Advertising and Marketing
Business flyers and brochures.
Social media ads (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok).
Website hosting and domain fees.
Print advertisements.
Business logo design.
Sponsored events or booths.
Google Ads.
Email marketing tools (Mailchimp, Constant Contact).
Health and Retirement
Contributions to SEP IRAs or solo 401(k)s.
Self-employed health insurance premiums.
HSA contributions.
Dental and vision insurance premiums.
Employee and Contractor Costs
Health insurance premiums for employees.
Salaries or wages paid to employees.
Retirement plan contributions for employees.
Independent contractor payments (1099 workers).
Hiring costs (recruiting, job ads).
Employee benefits (meals, transportation stipends).
Education and Training
Online courses related to your business.
Business books and audiobooks.
Professional memberships (e.g., Chamber of Commerce).
Industry conference fees.
Workshops and seminars.
Trade magazine subscriptions.
Insurance and Licenses
Business liability insurance.
Workers’ compensation insurance.
Errors and omissions insurance.
Professional licenses or certifications.
Surety bonds (if required).
Miscellaneous Deductions
Credit card processing fees (Stripe, PayPal).
Continuing education certifications.
Subscriptions to productivity tools (Notion, Asana).
Bad debts from unpaid invoices.
Bank fees (business accounts).
Business loan interest.
Advertising giveaways (pens, mugs, etc.).
Business clothing or uniforms with a logo.
Business Development
Client gifts (up to $25 per person).
Networking event costs.
Meals with clients (50% deductible).
Industry-specific certifications or accreditations.
Taxes and Legal Obligations
Self-employment tax (deductible in part).
Business property taxes.
Sales tax on resold goods.
Payroll taxes.
Specific Industry Deductions
Specialized software (e.g., CAD for designers).
Tools and equipment for your trade.
Professional photography for marketing.
Training for specialized skills.
Cleaning services for a studio or office.
Other Potential Deductions
Childcare costs during business meetings (rare).
Relocation expenses (if moving for business).
Charity donations made through the business.
Interest on business credit cards.
Utilities and Communication
Internet expenses (pro-rated).
Cell phone bills (pro-rated).
Business app subscriptions (Slack, Zoom).
Landline (if used for business).
Business phone system or VoIP subscriptions.
Additional Travel-Related Deductions
Tolls and bridge fees.
Fees for passport renewals for business travel.
Ride-share services like Uber or Lyft for work trips.
Meals while traveling for business.
Frequent flyer memberships or travel points fees.