Finance & Economics / Freelance & Creator Finance
Business Expense Deduction Calculator
Annual Business Expenses
Business Expense Deductions Guide
What qualifies as a business expense? Expenses that are ordinary and necessary for your business are tax-deductible, reducing both income tax and self-employment tax.
Common Deductible Expenses:
- Home Office: Percentage of rent/mortgage, utilities (requires dedicated space)
- Vehicle: Actual expenses or standard mileage rate (67ยข/mile in 2024)
- Meals: 50% deductible (100% if provided to employees)
- Travel: Airfare, hotels, rental cars for business trips
- Equipment: Computers, furniture (Section 179 allows immediate deduction)
- Software: Business subscriptions (Adobe, Microsoft, etc.)
- Phone/Internet: Business use percentage
- Marketing: Ads, website, SEO, business cards
- Education: Courses, books, conferences related to your business
- Insurance: Health, liability, professional
- Professional Fees: CPA, lawyer, consultants
Important Rules:
- Ordinary & Necessary: Must be common and helpful for your trade
- Business Purpose: Keep receipts and document business use
- Mixed Use: Only deduct business percentage (e.g., 60% business, 40% personal)
- Timing: Deduct in year expense was paid (cash basis) or incurred (accrual basis)
- Records: Keep receipts, invoices, and documentation for 7 years
Self-Employment Tax (15.3%):
- Social Security: 12.4% on first $168,600 (2024)
- Medicare: 2.9% on all income
- Deductions reduce both income tax AND SE tax
- You can deduct 50% of SE tax as an adjustment to income
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates. Consult a CPA or tax professional for your specific situation and to ensure compliance with IRS regulations.
See Also
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