Let’s play a game called “Deduct It or Don’t,” because not everything your favorite bizfluencer claims as a tax write-off actually passes muster with the IRS. Here’s your go-to guide for what’s actually deductible… and what’s just wishful thinking in a well-lit Reel.
Legit Business Expenses (Yes, You Can Deduct These!)
- Office Expenses
Desks, chairs, printer paper, even that fancy lamp that helps you feel “boss mode” at 8 am: totally deductible. - Software & Subscriptions
QuickBooks, Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva Pro: if it helps you run your business, it counts. - Professional Services
Bookkeepers, accountants (hi!), consultants, and lawyers: all deductible. - Marketing & Advertising
Paid ads, website hosting, brand photography, and even that Canva template pack you impulse bought at midnight. - Meals (with a business purpose)
Grabbing lunch with a client or vendor? That’s usually 50% deductible, just don’t try to deduct your solo Uber Eats order while binging Netflix. - Continuing Education
Courses, webinars, books, and trainings related to your current business are fair game. - Travel (for work!)
Flights, hotels, and Ubers to conferences or client meetings = deductible. Your beach cocktail in Cancun? Not so much. - Business Insurance
E&O, liability, cyber: necessary and deductible. - Employee Wages & Benefits
Paying your team (W-2 or contractors)? Absolutely deductible. Even team retreats, if they’re actually business-related (and not just an excuse to do goat yoga). - Home Office (if legit)
Must be a dedicated space used exclusively for business. Your kitchen counter does not count. Sorry.
“Influencer Lies:” Not Actually Deductible (Sorry, TikTok)
- Your Entire Mortgage or Rent
Only the square footage used exclusively for work counts, not your entire 3-bedroom house. - Every Meal Ever
“You’re the business, so every meal is a business meal!” Nope. The IRS isn’t buying your brunch mimosas. - Your Whole Vacation (even if you posted a selfie with #CEOlife)
A few days of business travel? Sure. But unless the entire trip was legitimately work-related, it’s not a full write-off. - Luxury Bags or Clothing
If it could reasonably be worn outside of work (aka anywhere), it’s probably not deductible. Sorry, Chanel. - Hair, Nails & Massages
Even if it helps you “feel confident on camera,” the IRS says no. Unless you’re a professional actor or model contractually required to maintain a certain look, these are personal care expenses, not business deductions. - Kids’ Daycare or Summer Camp
Even if working lets you afford it, it’s not a business expense. (Although you may qualify for a personal tax credit.) - Your Own Salary (if you’re a sole proprietor or taxed as one)
Paying yourself is not a deduction unless you’re on payroll. - Your Dog (even if it’s your “emotional support intern”)
Unless Fido is a certified guard dog for your warehouse (and even then, it’s a stretch), he’s not deductible. - Gym Memberships or Wellness Retreats
General health expenses don’t qualify. Unless you’re a fitness trainer, that Pilates class is on you.
Final Word: If It Feels Sketchy, Ask First
Just because it has a hashtag doesn’t mean it has IRS approval. When in doubt, reach out. We’d rather answer a quick question now than help you untangle an audit later.
Want to feel confident you’re deducting the right things (and skipping the wrong ones)? Let’s chat! Our team loves making tax strategy simple and stress-free for service-based business owners. Book a call today.
