Maximizing Deductions – Top 34 Business Write-Offs for 2025

As a small business owner, understanding and utilizing available tax deductions can significantly reduce your taxable income. Here are 34 deductions to consider for the 2025 tax year:

1. Home Office Deduction: If you use a portion of your home exclusively for business, you may deduct related expenses.
2. Vehicle Expenses: Deduct mileage or actual expenses for business use of your vehicle.
3. Depreciation: Deduct the cost of business assets over their useful life.
4. Section 179 Deduction: Immediately deduct the full cost of qualifying equipment and software.
5. Bonus Depreciation: Deduct a significant portion of the cost of qualifying property in the year it's placed in service.
6. Rent on Business Property: Deduct rent paid for property used in your business.
7. Utilities: Deduct expenses for electricity, water, and other utilities.
8. Office Supplies: Deduct the cost of pens, paper, and other supplies.The US Sun
9. Repairs and Maintenance: Deduct costs to maintain business property.
10. Employee Salaries: Deduct wages paid to employees.
11. Contract Labor: Deduct payments to independent contractors.
12. Employee Benefits: Deduct costs for health plans, retirement plans, etc.
13. Insurance: Deduct premiums for business insurance policies.
14. Travel Expenses: Deduct costs for business-related travel.Barron's
15. Meals: Deduct 50% of business meal expenses.
16. Advertising: Deduct costs for promoting your business.
17. Professional Fees: Deduct fees paid to lawyers, accountants, etc.
18. Bank Fees: Deduct charges for business banking services.
19. Interest on Business Loans: Deduct interest paid on loans used for business purposes.
20. Education and Training: Deduct costs for continuing education related to your business.
21. Licenses and Permits: Deduct fees for business licenses and permits.
22. Telephone and Internet: Deduct costs for business communication services.
23. Software Subscriptions: Deduct costs for business-related software.
24. Bad Debts: Deduct uncollectible debts related to sales or services.
25. Charitable Contributions: Deduct donations made through your business.Tax Foundation+7Brady Ware CPAs+7Kiplinger+7
26. Moving Expenses: Deduct costs if relocating your business.
27. Startup Costs: Deduct expenses incurred before your business began operations.Brady Ware CPAs+1AP News+1
28. Franchise Fees: Deduct initial and ongoing franchise fees.
29. Legal Settlements: Deduct certain legal settlements related to your business.
30. Environmental Cleanup Costs: Deduct costs for cleaning up environmental contamination.
31. Research and Development: Deduct costs for developing new products or services.
32. Casualty and Theft Losses: Deduct losses from unexpected events.
33. Amortization: Deduct certain capital expenses over time.
34. Qualified Business Income Deduction: Deduct up to 20% of qualified business income.

Consult with a tax professional to ensure you're maximizing your deductions and complying with IRS regulations.