Ultimate List of Tax Deductions for Small Business Owners and Freelancers
Being self-employed or running your own small business means more than just pursuing your passion—it also means staying tax-smart. One of the easiest ways to reduce your tax burden? Know exactly what counts as a tax write-off.
Here’s your ultimate list of small business expenses and self-employed deductions to help keep more money in your pocket.
💼 Common Tax Write-Offs for Small Business Owners
✅ Home Office Deduction
If you work from home in a dedicated space, you can deduct a portion of your rent/mortgage, utilities, and internet.
✅ Business Mileage & Travel
Keep track of your vehicle mileage for client meetings, supply runs, or conferences. Travel expenses like flights, lodging, and meals (50%) can also be deductible.
✅ Professional Services
Bookkeepers, accountants, legal services, consultants—yes, they’re all deductible.
✅ Marketing & Advertising
Business cards, social media ads, your website, and even podcast sponsorships count.
✅ Continuing Education
Courses, certifications, and workshops related to your field are fair game.
✅ Office Supplies & Software
Printers, paper, QuickBooks Online, Canva Pro, and more. If it supports your business, it’s likely deductible.
✅ Contract Labor
If you hire freelancers or virtual assistants, those payments count as deductible expenses.
✅ Phone & Internet
Business-related portion of your monthly phone and internet bills? Yep, write it off.
✅ Health Insurance Premiums
If you’re self-employed and pay your own health insurance, it may qualify as a deduction.
✅ Meals with Clients
As long as it’s for business purposes, 50% of client meal costs are deductible.
✅ Bank & Payment Processor Fees
Think PayPal, Stripe, Square, and monthly bank fees.
❓ FAQ: Self-Employed Deductions
Q: What happens if I don’t track expenses carefully?
A: You’ll likely overpay in taxes or miss out on thousands in deductions. Tools like QuickBooks Online + a great bookkeeper help you stay audit-proof and accurate.
Q: Can I deduct startup expenses?
A: Yes! You can deduct up to $5,000 in startup costs in your first year.
Q: What records do I need?
A: Keep receipts, mileage logs, and digital documentation. Cloud-based accounting software is ideal.
💬 “Your business is working hard—make sure your finances are, too.”
Dr. Bryan Raya has already helped business owners save over $200,000 in taxes in 2025 alone.
🎯 Ready to save money and gain clarity?
📅 Schedule a free call with Dr. Bryan Raya today and start Doing Business Right.
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