If you own or manage a small business, you are probably well aware that you can deduct the ordinary and necessary expenses of operating the business. But did you know that the definition of “ordinary and necessary” business expenses comprises a lot more than the usual laundry list of personal computers, staplers and labor costs?
For example, here are 22 tax-deductible items you may easily overlook or ignore during the course of the year. The tax deductions for these expenses have been approved through various court cases, private letter rulings, IRS regulations or tax code provisions.
Of course, this list is not all-inclusive. Look through your records for business expense deductions that are out of the ordinary. Then check with your Condley and Company, L.L.P. tax adviser to determine if the expense is tax deductible or not.
1. Answering service and beeper(s) if you are required to be available as part of your job
2. Audio and videotapes that enhance your business skills
3. Bad business debts to the extent they are worthless
4. Bank service fees for business accounts
5. Beverages and snacks for your employees
6. Business interruption insurance
7. Business travel incidentals such as laundry, airport shuttles, tips and so on
8. Computer software
9. Consulting fees you pay to outside experts
10. Gifts to business clients (limited to $25 per recipient)
11. Insurance premiums against casualty losses
12. Internet service provider fees
13. Legal fees paid in connection with business
14. Long-distance telephone calls from home if made for valid business reasons
15. Magazine subscriptions and other periodicals related to business activities
16. Passport fees used for business trips
17. Petty cash used for business-related expenditures
18. Physical examination cost to establish fitness needed for a particular job
19. Professional dues for business organizations
20. Special clothing required for work (e.g., for safety reasons)
21. Tickets to sporting events given to customers (limited to 50% of the cost)
22. Union dues and similar assessments