Tax · 8 min read
Small Business Tax Deductions Checklist (2026)
Most small business owners overpay tax not because the law is unfair, but because their books miss deductible expenses they actually paid. This checklist walks the categories your CPA will look for at year-end so nothing slips through.
Operating expenses to capture every month
- Software subscriptions and SaaS tools used for the business
- Professional services — bookkeeping, legal, CPA, consulting
- Bank, merchant processor, and payment platform fees
- Advertising, marketing, sponsored posts, and lead generation
- Office supplies, postage, and shipping
Vehicle, travel, and meals
The IRS lets you deduct business mileage at the standard rate or your actual vehicle costs. Pick one method per vehicle per year and stick with it.
- Business miles with a contemporaneous log
- Out-of-town travel: airfare, hotel, ground transport
- 50% of business meals with a documented attendee and purpose
- Parking and tolls tied to client work
Home office and technology
- Home office: simplified method or actual expense method
- Internet and cell phone, business-use percentage
- Computers, monitors, and equipment (Section 179 / bonus depreciation)
