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What expenses are 100% deductible?

Most ordinary and necessary business expenses are 100% deductible. The confusion usually comes from the exceptions, so it helps to know which categories have limits.

Meals are only 50% deductible. Entertainment is not deductible at all since the 2017 tax law changes. Vehicle expenses depend on your business use percentage. Home office deductions are based on the portion of your home used exclusively for business. These are the main categories where limits apply.

Everything else that’s ordinary and necessary for your business is typically fully deductible. This includes office supplies, equipment, and furniture. Rent and utilities for your business space. Business insurance premiums. Professional services like accounting, legal, and consulting fees. Marketing and advertising costs. Software subscriptions and tools you use for business. Employee wages, payroll taxes, and benefits. Payments to contractors and subcontractors. Bank fees and merchant processing fees. Business licenses and permits. Continuing education and training directly related to your current business.

Business travel expenses like airfare and lodging are 100% deductible. The meals during that travel are still limited to 50%, but transportation and accommodations qualify fully.

Equipment purchases can be fully deducted in the year you buy them using Section 179 or bonus depreciation, up to certain limits. This applies to computers, machinery, vehicles used for business, and other tangible property. Without these elections, equipment gets depreciated over several years instead. A Phoenix area enrolled agent can help you determine whether immediate expensing or depreciation makes more sense for your situation.

The key phrase in all of this is “ordinary and necessary.” The expense has to be common in your industry and helpful for running your business. A landscaper buying a truck is ordinary and necessary. That same landscaper buying ski equipment is not, unless there’s a clear business purpose documented.

Documentation matters as much as the expense itself. Keep receipts and records that show what you bought, when, and why it was for business. An expense that’s technically deductible but can’t be proven in an audit doesn’t help you. Good bookkeeping throughout the year means your deductions are categorized correctly and supported by records when you need them.

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More Questions

What is an enrolled agent?

An enrolled agent is a federally licensed tax professional authorized to represent taxpayers before the IRS. Unlike most tax preparers, enrolled agents can handle audits, appeals, and collections matters on your behalf. The credential requires passing a rigorous IRS exam or having prior IRS experience.

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What are common tax mistakes small businesses make?

The most costly mistakes include mixing personal and business expenses, missing quarterly estimated payments, and misclassifying workers. Most are avoidable with proper tracking and year-round planning.

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Who helps with back taxes?

Enrolled Agents, CPAs, and tax attorneys can all help with back taxes. Enrolled Agents are licensed by the IRS specifically for tax matters and can represent you in audits, payment negotiations, and penalty disputes.

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Do you need an accountant for a small LLC?

You're not legally required to hire one. But whether you should depends on your time, your comfort with tax rules, and how complicated your business actually is. Most LLC owners benefit from professional help at some point.

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What is job costing for construction?

Job cost tracking records all expenses and revenue by individual project so you can see which jobs are profitable and compare actual costs to estimates.

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Is it a good idea to outsource bookkeeping?

For most small businesses beyond the startup phase, outsourcing bookkeeping makes sense. The decision comes down to how much your time is worth and whether you need expertise beyond basic transaction entry.

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Konexus Accounting is an Arizona accounting firm specializing in small business financials. We offer bookkeeping, accounting, and tax services. Our team is led by Dan Weaver, EA. An IRS-credentialed professional with 20+ years of tax and representation experience.

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