Marketing & Advertising: One of Your Most Powerful (and Overlooked) Business Expenses
Marketing is one of the broadest—and most essential—categories of expenses in your small business. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, chances are you're spending money to get more eyes on your brand.
The good news? Marketing and advertising expenses are 100% tax deductible.
The bad news? Many business owners underestimate just how much they spend in this category—leading to missed write-offs and messy bookkeeping.
Here are some common marketing and advertising expenses you may already be using:
1. Social Media Ads
Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok ads are all deductible. Whether it’s a boosted post or a full campaign, keep track of your spend.
2. Google Ads and SEO Tools
Pay-per-click campaigns, keyword research tools (like SEMrush or Ahrefs), and even your website domain and hosting fees fall under marketing.
3. Graphic Design and Branding
Whether you hire a designer for your logo, social media content, or print materials—this is a legit marketing expense.
4. Promotional Materials
Business cards, flyers, banners, brochures, and even branded swag like pens and t-shirts can be deducted if they’re used to promote your business.
5. Email Marketing and CRM Software
Tools like Mailchimp, Constant Contact, ConvertKit, and other platforms that help you engage leads and grow your list count as marketing.
Pro Tip: Marketing adds up quickly. Keep it organized in your bookkeeping software and track each type of spend clearly—this will save you headaches at tax time and help you evaluate ROI.
At DBR Bookkeeping, we help you categorize, track, and maximize your marketing expenses so you don’t miss a single deduction.
Book a free 30-minute call with Dr. Bryan Raya, QuickBooks ProAdvisor, to review your expenses and start Doing Business Right:
https://calendly.com/dbr_bookkeeping/30-minute-zoom-consultation-call
FAQ: Common Marketing and Advertising Expenses
Are Facebook ads tax deductible?
Yes. All social media advertising spend is fully deductible as a business expense.
Can I deduct my website costs?
Yes. Domain registration, hosting, and design costs used for business promotion qualify.
Are business cards and flyers deductible?
Yes. Any print or digital materials promoting your business are considered advertising expenses.
What about email marketing software?
Yes. Tools like Mailchimp or ConvertKit are deductible if used for business.
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