The Tax Write-Offs You’re Probably Missing (and It’s Costing You Thousands!)
Tax season. That magical time of year when you realise just how many things you could have written off, if only you’d known.
If you’re a small business owner, chances are you’re missing out on some major tax savings. The IRS isn’t exactly throwing a parade to remind you about all the deductions you’re entitled to. That’s why we’re here: to break down the small business tax deductions for 2025 onwards that you can’t afford to overlook.
Let’s dive in, because leaving money on the table? Yeah, we don’t do that here.
🧾 The Big (and Often Missed) Small Business Tax Deductions for 2025 onwards
1️⃣ Home Office Deduction
Yes, you can deduct part of your rent or mortgage, utilities, and even internet if you work from home, as long as you use the space exclusively for business. That means your kitchen table doesn’t count if you’re also using it for snack breaks and family dinners.
2️⃣ Business Meals
Grabbing lunch with a client? Hosting a coffee catch-up with a potential partner? Those meals are 50% deductible (and in some cases, 100% if provided at a company event). Just don’t go wild and try to write off every single Starbucks run, your accountant will give you the side-eye.
3️⃣ Professional Services
Bookkeepers, accountants (hello!), lawyers, consultants - those fees are all tax-deductible. If they help you run your business, they’re fair game.
4️⃣ Subscriptions and Software
Your Canva Pro account? Tax-deductible. Your QuickBooks subscription? Tax-deductible. That fancy SEO tool you only used once in January but keep paying for? Also tax-deductible (though maybe consider cancelling it).
5️⃣ Continuing Education
Courses, workshops, certifications, or even books that improve your business skills are deductible. Yes, that $199 online course counts - assuming you actually opened it (no judgment).
6️⃣ Marketing and Advertising
Your website hosting fees, business cards, Instagram ads, and even branded tote bags are all marketing expenses - and fully deductible. If it promotes your business, it’s a write-off.
7️⃣ Mileage and Car Expenses
If you drive for business purposes (think client meetings, supply runs, or networking events), you can deduct mileage. The 2025 IRS mileage rate hasn’t been confirmed yet, but it’s usually around 65 cents per mile. Track it—or risk losing it.
8️⃣ Business Insurance
Yep, that business liability insurance you grumble about paying every year? It’s deductible too.
9️⃣ Retirement Contributions
Contributing to a SEP IRA or Solo 401(k)? You can deduct those contributions, which is a win-win: save for the future and lower your tax bill today.
🔟 Bad Debts
If you’ve invoiced a client and they ghosted you (ugh), that bad debt may be deductible. Talk to your accountant, because even your heartbreak can save you some tax dollars.
😂 The Tax Deduction Myths You Need to Ignore
Let’s set the record straight:
❌ Your dog is not a business expense (even if he’s your “chief morale officer”)
❌ Your personal gym membership doesn’t count (unless you’re a fitness coach)
❌ That “networking” trip to Hawaii? Good luck convincing the IRS on that one
💸 How Much Could You Be Saving?
If you’re not taking advantage of these deductions, you could be missing out on thousands of dollars in tax savings every year.
Think about it:
Home office deduction? Could save you $1,500+
Mileage? Add another $2,000+
Professional services? Who knows how high that could go, depending on your team
It adds up fast.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Small business tax deductions in 2025 aren’t just about saving a few bucks, they’re about keeping your hard-earned money in your pocket, where it belongs.
✅ Keep your receipts
✅ Track your expenses (yes, all of them)
✅ Don’t assume you know what counts, ask a pro
✅ And please, for the love of spreadsheets, don’t wait until tax time to figure this out
👉 Want more smart business finance tips, practical advice, and a side of humor (because taxes are way less painful when you’re laughing)? Subscribe to Tea on the Ledger - where we make business finances less stressful, one blog at a time.
Let’s keep that tax bill low and your profits high! 🌿
