General information only: This resource is educational and is not tax advice. Business owners should speak with a qualified tax professional or accountant before claiming expenses or making tax decisions.
Common business deductions
Many business owners review expenses such as supplies, software, professional subscriptions, bank fees, payment processing fees, and other costs directly connected to earning business income.
Book a private consultation to connect this topic to your personal financial plan.
Request Financial GuidanceHome office expenses
If part of a home is used for business, owners may be able to discuss a reasonable business-use portion of eligible home expenses with their accountant. Documentation and a consistent calculation method matter.
Vehicle, phone, and internet
Vehicle expenses, phone bills, and internet costs may need to be separated between personal and business use. Mileage logs, invoices, and clear records help support business-use claims.
Professional fees, marketing, and meals
Professional fees may include accountants, bookkeepers, legal support, consultants, and business advisors. Advertising and marketing costs can also be relevant. Meals and business expenses should be documented carefully because deductibility may be limited by tax rules.
Bookkeeping, accounting, and insurance
Clean bookkeeping makes planning easier. Accounting fees, business insurance, liability coverage, and certain protection planning costs may be part of a broader business review, depending on the situation.
Retirement and corporate planning considerations
For incorporated owners, deductions are only one part of the picture. Retained earnings, salary versus dividends, corporate investments, insurance, succession, and retirement planning should be coordinated with professional tax and legal advice.
Business-owner planning often connects with corporate wealth planning, protection planning, and estate planning.