List of Typical Business Expenses

Following is a list of typical business expense categories.

Which ones will be applicable to your business?

  • Accounting/bookkeeping, and financial consulting fees
  • Advertising expenses
  • Automobile expenses (only the percent that is used for business)
  • Bank service charges and fees
  • Books and periodicals
  • Business/trade conventions
  • Business gifts (annual limit of $25 per recipient)
  • Business meals (50% is deductible)
  • Coaching fees, if related to your business
  • Computer, printer, and software (if used over 50% for the business)
  • Consultant fees
  • Depreciation and amortization
  • Dues for professional and trade associations
  • Education expenses for maintaining or improving required skills
  • Email, Internet access, and web hosting services
  • Fax machine
  • Insurance expense
  • Legal and attorney fees
  • License fees and taxes
  • Merchant account or credit card processing fees
  • Office furniture and equipment
  • Office supplies
  • Online services used for the business
  • Parking and tolls
  • Postage and shipping
  • Printing and duplication
  • Self-employment taxes
  • Start-up expenses (amortized over 60 months)
  • State and local business taxes
  • Preparation of business tax return
  • Telephone expense (only for a separate business line)
  • Travel expenses