Can I Write That Off? 10 Overlooked Business Tax Deductions
As a small business owner, you're always looking for ways to keep more of what you earn—and that starts with making sure you’re taking every legitimate tax deduction available.
Unfortunately, many small business owners leave money on the table simply because they don’t realize what’s deductible. That’s why we’re breaking down 10 commonly overlooked business tax deductions you may be missing—and how to take advantage of them.
1. Home Office Deduction
If you use a portion of your home exclusively and regularly for business, you can deduct related expenses.
What you can deduct:
Rent or mortgage interest (based on square footage)
Utilities
Repairs & maintenance
Tip: Use the simplified method if you're not comfortable calculating percentages.
2. Business Use of Your Vehicle
Do you use your personal vehicle for work errands, client meetings, or supply runs? Track those miles.
What you can deduct:
Mileage (65.5 cents per mile for 2023)
Parking and tolls
Tip: Use a mileage tracking app to keep a clear, IRS-compliant log.
3. Continuing Education & Training
Courses, webinars, books, and certifications that relate to your business are fully deductible.
What you can deduct:
Online courses
Business books
Workshops or conferences
4. Professional Services
The fees you pay to experts—like bookkeepers, CPAs, or consultants—are 100% deductible.
What you can deduct:
Bookkeeping services
Tax preparation
Legal consultations
5. Software & Subscriptions
From project management tools to bookkeeping software, these costs add up—and are deductible.
What you can deduct:
QuickBooks Online
Canva, Zoom, Google Workspace, etc.
6. Business Insurance
Many owners forget that insurance premiums are a legitimate expense.
What you can deduct:
General liability insurance
Errors & omissions coverage
Cybersecurity or professional liability insurance
7. Phone & Internet (Business Portion Only)
If you use your phone or internet for both business and personal use, you can deduct the business portion.
How to calculate: Estimate what percentage of use is for business and deduct only that portion.
8. Bank Fees and Payment Processing Charges
Those annoying little charges from your bank or card processor? They're tax-deductible.
What you can deduct:
Monthly account fees
Stripe, PayPal, or Square fees
Overdraft or wire fees (business-related only)
9. Marketing & Advertising
Anything you spend to promote your business can be deducted.
What you can deduct:
Website hosting & domain fees
Email marketing tools
Business cards, flyers, and signage
10. Meals With Clients (50%)
You can deduct 50% of meals with clients or prospects, as long as the purpose is business-related.
What qualifies:
Taking a client to lunch
Coffee meetings to discuss business
Meals during travel for business purposes
Tip: Keep receipts and write the purpose of the meal on the back (or save a digital note).
Final Thoughts
Every deduction you miss is money you could have kept in your business. Staying organized and aware of what's deductible helps you reduce your tax bill and boost your bottom line.
At DPP Bookkeeping, LLC, we help small business owners track expenses properly so nothing gets missed at tax time.
Not sure what you can write off? Let’s talk. Visit DPPBookkeeping.com to schedule your free consultation.