× FreshBooks App Logo
FreshBooks
Official App
Free - Google Play
Get it
You're currently on our US site. Select your regional site here:

Deductible Business Expenses

  1. Agency Costs
  2. IRS Publication 463
  3. IRS Publication 535
  4. O & NE

Save Time Billing and Get Paid 2x Faster With FreshBooks

Try It Free ➝

About IRS Publication 535: Business Expenses

Updated: February 23, 2023

If you’re a business owner, then you know that tax time can be a headache. You have to keep track of all of your income and expenses and make sure that you’re taking all of the deductions that you’re entitled to. 

Publication 535 from the IRS is a valuable resource for business purposes, as it provides guidance on what expenses are deductible. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at Publication 535 and what it can do for you.

List IconTable of Contents


    KEY TAKEAWAYS

    • IRS Publication 535 breaks down which business expenses are eligible to be deducted from tax returns. The publication also includes details on how to submit eligible deductible expenses. 
    • Some of the most common business expenses include salaries and wages, lease or rent payments, supplies, travel costs, and utilities.
    • You cannot deduct expenses for business if they are for personal activities or personal spending.

    What Is IRS Publication 535?

    If you’re in business, you need to know about IRS Publication 535, Business Expenses. This comprehensive guide covers all the deductions you can take for your business, including start-up costs, operating expenses, and capital expenses. 

    There are dozens of different deductions available, and Publication 535 will help you learn about them so you can save money on your taxes. It’s important to remember that not every deduction is available to every business. 

    For example, startups may be able to deduct certain expenses that aren’t available to established businesses. It’s also important to keep good records of your expenses. Publication 535 includes information on what records you need to keep and how long you need to keep them. 

    These records will help you if you’re ever audited by the IRS. If you’re running a business, Publication 535 is an essential resource. It can help you save money on your taxes and make sure you’re in compliance with the law.

    Less Taxin'. More Relaxin'

    Deducting Business Expenses Under IRS Publication 535

    Business expenses are the cost of carrying on a trade or business. These expenses are common and necessary for most businesses. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recognizes this and provides guidelines on what qualifies as a business expense in Publication 535. 

    There are many types of business expenses that may be deductible. The most common include advertising, employee salaries and benefits, insurance, interest, rent, repairs and maintenance, supplies, taxes, and travel. Other less common expenses may also be deductible. 

    To deduct a business expense, it must be both ordinary and necessary. An ordinary expense is one that is common and accepted in your trade or business. A necessary expense is one that is helpful and appropriate for your business. The expense must also be reasonable in amount.

    Who Does IRS Publication 535 Help?

    If you are self-employed or thinking about going into business for yourself, IRS Publication 535 can help you understand what business expenses you can deduct. This publication provides detailed information on deduction categories, including start-up and organizational costs, business use of your home, vehicle expenses, and much more. 

    There are many potential tax benefits to owning your own business, but it is important to understand the rules and regulations surrounding deductions. This publication can help ensure that you are taking advantage of all the deductions you are entitled to. 

    While Publication 535 is not a required reading, it can be a helpful resource for anyone who is self-employed or considering going into business for themselves. Whether you are just getting started or have been in business for a while, this publication can provide valuable insights into deductible business expenses.

    Ahead Of Tax Time Every Time

    What Does IRS Publication 535 Cover?

    If you’re a business owner, then you know that every deduction counts. If you’re looking for ways to save money on your taxes, then you’ll want to know all about IRS Publication 535, Business Expenses. 

    This publication covers the types of expenses that can be deducted from your taxes, as well as how to deduct them. Some of the common deductions that are covered in Publication 535 include, but are not limited to:

    • Advertising and promotion
    • Travel and Entertainment
    • Automobile Expenses
    • Office Expenses

    By knowing what deductions are available to you, you can save a significant amount of money on your taxes. In addition to deductions, Publication 535 also covers how to properly record and document your expenses. This is important because if you are ever audited, the IRS will need to see proof of your expenses. By keeping accurate records, you can avoid any issues with the IRS. 

    Overall, Publication 535 is a valuable resource for business owners who want to save money on their taxes. By understanding what deductions are available and how to properly record your expenses, you can maximize your savings.

    Costs that Can Be Deducted or Capitalized

    There are many business expenses that can be deducted from your taxes, but what are they? Can all business expenses be deducted? How do you know which costs can be deducted or capitalized? 

    Some common deductible business expenses include:

    • Advertising 
    • Bad debts 
    • Commissions and fees 
    • Rent or lease payments 
    • Salaries and wages 
    • Supplies 
    • Taxes (including sales, property, and excise taxes) 
    • Travel 
    • Utilities 

    To deduct a business expense, it must meet two requirements. It must be both ordinary and necessary. 

    • An ordinary expense is one that is common and accepted in your trade or business
    • A necessary expense is one that is helpful and appropriate for your trade or business

    The expense does not have to be required to be considered necessary. Some costs, such as the cost of machinery or equipment, must be capitalized. This means that the cost of the item must be spread out over its useful life through depreciation

    Some expenses can be capitalized, which means their cost is recovered over a period of years through depreciation, amortization, or depletion. Capital expenses, such as business assets, must be capitalized. Current business expenses, on the other hand, are deducted from income in the year they occur or are paid.

    Other costs, such as start-up costs or organizational costs, may also need to be capitalized. This publication provides guidance on how to capitalize expenses and how to deduct certain business expenses. It’s a valuable resource for business owners wanting to ensure they are taking advantage of all the deductions they are eligible for.

    Summary 

    IRS Publication 535 is a tax document that’s published by the IRS. It describes which types of business expenses you can deduct when you file your tax return. It also breaks down the rules that surround deducting business expenses. 

    To be able to deduct a business expense, it must be both ordinary and necessary. An ordinary expense is one that’s common for you to complete your business responsibilities. A necessary expense is one that is essential to conducting business. A business expense deduction can help when it comes to income tax purposes.

    Save 40 Hours During Tax Season

    Sandra Habiger is a Chartered Professional Accountant with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Washington. Sandra’s areas of focus include advising real estate agents, brokers, and investors. She supports small businesses in growing to their first six figures and beyond. Alongside her accounting practice, Sandra is a Money and Life Coach for women in business.

    Sandra Habinger headshot

    Written by Sandra Habiger, CPA

    Sandra Habiger is a Chartered Professional Accountant with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Washington. Sandra’s areas of focus include advising real estate agents, brokers, and investors. She supports small businesses in growing to their first six figures and beyond. Alongside her accounting practice, Sandra is a Money and Life Coach for women in business.

    FAQs About IRS Publication 535

    What Can You Write-Off as Self-Employed?

    There are several deductions you can write off as a self-employed individual. Some examples include meals deduction, travel deduction, health insurance premiums deduction, and the home office deduction. It’s important to keep adequate records of actual expenses. 

    If an expense is incurred on something that is partly used for personal and partly for business purposes (car, home office, etc.), you must divide the cost accordingly and can only claim the business portion.

    How Does Writing off Business Expenses Work?

    Writing off a business expense means you are deducting it for tax purposes. When you deduct these expenses from the revenue, it can help decrease the total taxable revenue.

    What Cannot Be Deducted as a Business Expense?

    Basically, anything that has to do with personal spending or personal activities are non-deductible. Deductible business expenses must relate to the business itself.

    What Tax Deductions Can I Claim Without Receipts?

    Some of the most common non-receiptable deductions include home office use, and work-related automobile expenses such as the standard mileage rate.

    Deductible Business Expenses

    1. Agency Costs
    2. IRS Publication 463
    3. IRS Publication 535
    4. O & NE

    WHY BUSINESS OWNERS LOVE FRESHBOOKS

    553 HRS

    SAVE UP TO 553 HOURS EACH YEAR BY USING FRESHBOOKS

    $ 7000

    SAVE UP TO $7000 IN BILLABLE HOURS EVERY YEAR

    30M+

    OVER 30 MILLION PEOPLE HAVE USED FRESHBOOKS WORLDWIDE

    Try It Free for 30 Days. No credit card required. Cancel anytime.