Tax Deduction Guides
Maximize your business deductions with our category-by-category guide. Know what you can deduct, how to document it, and how much you can save.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. Tax laws change frequently. Consult a qualified CPA for advice specific to your situation.
Home Office Deductions
If you use part of your home regularly and exclusively for business, you may qualify for the home office deduction. This can include a portion of your rent or mortgage interest, utilities, insurance, and repairs.
- Simplified method: $5 per square foot, up to 300 sq ft ($1,500 max)
- Regular method: actual expenses based on percentage of home used
- Home internet and phone services (business-use percentage)
- Home repairs and maintenance (proportional share)
- Renter's insurance or homeowner's insurance (proportional share)
Vehicle & Mileage Deductions
Business use of your personal vehicle is deductible. You can choose the standard mileage rate or actual expense method, but you must keep detailed records of all business trips.
- Standard mileage rate: 67 cents per mile for 2025
- Actual expenses: gas, oil, tires, insurance, registration, depreciation
- Parking fees and tolls for business trips
- Lease payments (business-use percentage)
- Vehicle loan interest (business-use percentage)
Business Travel & Meals
Travel expenses incurred for business purposes away from your tax home are deductible. Business meals with clients or during business travel are generally 50% deductible.
- Airfare, train, and bus tickets for business travel
- Hotel and lodging expenses during business trips
- Rental car expenses while traveling for business
- 50% of business meals with clients or prospects
- Tips and incidentals during business travel
Equipment & Technology
The cost of equipment, software, and technology used in your business can often be deducted in full in the year of purchase under Section 179 or through bonus depreciation.
- Section 179 deduction: up to $1,220,000 for 2025
- Computers, monitors, printers, and peripherals
- Software subscriptions and licenses
- Office furniture and fixtures
- Industry-specific equipment and machinery
Employee & Contractor Costs
Wages, benefits, and costs associated with hiring employees or independent contractors are generally deductible business expenses.
- Employee salaries and wages
- Employer payroll taxes (FICA, FUTA)
- Health insurance premiums paid for employees
- Retirement plan contributions (401k, SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA)
- Independent contractor payments (1099-NEC)
- Workers' compensation insurance premiums
Marketing & Advertising
Expenses related to promoting your business and acquiring customers are generally fully deductible in the year they are incurred.
- Website development and hosting costs
- Online advertising (Google Ads, social media ads)
- Print advertising, signage, and business cards
- Email marketing software subscriptions
- Sponsorships and promotional events
- SEO and content marketing services
Professional Services
Fees paid to professionals who provide services essential to running your business are deductible, including accountants, lawyers, and consultants.
- Accounting and bookkeeping fees
- Legal fees related to business operations
- Business consulting and advisory fees
- Tax preparation fees for business returns
- Payroll processing service fees
Insurance Premiums
Premiums paid for business-related insurance policies are deductible. Self-employed individuals can also deduct health insurance premiums for themselves and their families.
- General liability insurance
- Professional liability (errors & omissions) insurance
- Commercial property insurance
- Business interruption insurance
- Self-employed health insurance deduction (100%)
- Cyber liability insurance
Not sure which deductions apply to you?
Our CPAs can review your situation and identify every deduction you qualify for. Do not leave money on the table.