Free tool
Small business tax deduction checklist
Pick your type of business. Tick off the deductions worth checking, and see the records to keep for each one before you meet your tax preparer.
Prefer to talk it through? Take the free books check or contact us.
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How it works
How to use it
Choose the business type closest to yours. You get a short list for that type plus the deductions common to most businesses. Tick what applies, then gather the receipts, bills and logs behind each one.
It is a list of things to check, not advice about what you can claim. Your tax preparer decides, based on your facts and the current rules. Nothing you tick is sent or saved, so print it if you want to keep it.
FAQ
About this checklist
Is this a list of what I can deduct?
No. It is a list of items worth checking. Whether you can deduct something depends on your facts, your records and current rules, and your tax preparer decides.
Do I need receipts?
You need records that show the amount, date, vendor and business purpose. Keeping them in your bookkeeping software or a folder all year is much easier than finding them at tax time.
Can I deduct my home office?
If part of your home is used regularly and exclusively for business, you may qualify. Employees generally cannot claim this. There are simplified and actual-cost methods.
Are meals fully deductible?
Business meals are generally 50% deductible when business is discussed and you keep a record of who and why. Entertainment is generally not deductible.
What about mileage?
Driving between business locations and to clients can count. Commuting from home to a regular workplace generally does not. Keep a log, and use the current IRS standard mileage rate or actual costs.
Is anything saved?
No. The math runs in your browser and nothing you enter is sent to us.
Check whether your records are ready with the books-ready quiz, plan payments with the quarterly estimated tax calculator, or see all dates in the tax deadline calendar. More free tools: Tallyfinch downloadable bookkeeping software, MCC Tax 1040 software, Real estate commission split calculator, or see all free tools.
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General information, not tax or legal advice. How we write and check our tools.
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