Every dollar you don’t pay in taxes is a dollar you can reinvest in your business. Yet, many small business owners miss out on tax write-offs they’re fully entitled to—just because they don’t know about them or aren’t keeping proper records.
Let’s change that.
This guide will walk you through five powerful small business tax deductions you should be using—plus how to claim them the right way.
1. Home Office Deduction
Can I deduct home office expenses as a small business owner?
Yes—and this one is significant. If you use a dedicated space in your home regularly and exclusively for business, you can deduct a portion of your mortgage or rent, utilities, insurance, and even repairs.
There are two ways to calculate it:
- Simplified method: $5 per square foot (up to 300 square feet)
- Actual expense method: Based on the percentage of your home used for business
Ensure the space is truly a workspace—your kitchen table during dinner doesn’t count.
This deduction is a must-have on any serious small business tax deductions checklist.
2. Vehicle and Mileage Deduction
Are vehicle expenses deductible for small businesses?
Absolutely. If you use your personal car for business purposes—like meeting clients or going to a job site—you can deduct that portion of your driving.
You can deduct:
- Actual car expenses (gas, repairs, depreciation, insurance), or
- The standard mileage rate
For 2025, the IRS standard mileage rate is 70 cents per mile .
Whichever method you choose, keep a mileage log. Apps like MileIQ or QuickBooks make it easy, and the savings can add up quickly.
3. Equipment and Supplies
From laptops to printer ink to work gloves—if it’s used in your business, it’s likely deductible.
This category includes:
- Office supplies
- Software subscriptions
- Computers and tech equipment
- Tools and gear for service-based businesses
Larger purchases might qualify for Section 179 depreciation, letting you write off the full amount in the year of purchase. For 2025, the Section 179 deduction limit is $1,160,000, with a phase-out threshold of $2,890,000 .
So if you’ve been wondering how can I maximize my small business tax deductions, don’t overlook the basics. Track every receipt.
4. Inventory Costs
Can I write off inventory costs for my business?
Yes, but with a twist. Inventory is handled differently from most deductions. Instead of deducting inventory when you buy it, you deduct it when it's sold (as part of your cost of goods sold).
That means good recordkeeping is critical. You need to know:
- What you bought (and when)
- How much inventory you had at the beginning and end of the year
- What you sold, and for how much
If you sell physical products, this is one of the most important tax deductible items for small business owners to get right.
5. Retirement Contributions
Saving for your future? The IRS rewards you for that.
Small business owners can deduct contributions made to:
- SEP IRAs
- Solo 401(k)s
- SIMPLE IRAs
For 2025, the contribution limits are:
- 401(k): $23,500 for individuals under 50; $31,000 for those 50 and older
- IRA: $7,000 for individuals under 50; $8,000 for those 50 and older
These plans not only reduce your taxable income—they also help you build long-term wealth. If you’re earning more than you need to live on, this is one of the smartest ways to lower your tax bill.
So… What Tax Deductions Can a Small Business Claim?
Short answer: a lot. And this is just the beginning.
Other common write-offs include:
- Business travel
- Insurance premiums
- Marketing and advertising
- Education and training
- Professional fees (CPAs, attorneys, consultants)
The key is knowing what qualifies, tracking your expenses, and filing the right way. Every dollar matters.
Your Path to Financial Clarity Starts Here
The Trifecta Planner is your go-to system for organizing taxes, hitting business milestones, and staying focused on success.
Download our FREE Tax Guide—packed with 30+ real-world strategies to help you keep more of your hard-earned income.
Professionals like CPAs, EAs, attorneys, and advisors: the Main Street Certified Advisor program is your next step toward deeper impact and faster growth.
Have questions? Let’s talk. Call 520-800-0986 or book your FREE Discovery Call now.
