Introduction:

Small business ownership comes with a wide range of financial responsibilities and opportunities. While most owners are familiar with standard deductions like office supplies, travel expenses, and employee wages, several lesser-known deductions can offer meaningful savings when applied correctly. Recognizing and taking advantage of these often-overlooked, yet fully legal deductions can make a measurable difference in your business’s bottom line.

Startup Costs:

“Starting a business requires upfront investment, whether it’s developing a product, hiring legal support, or conducting market research. What many entrepreneurs don’t realize is that the IRS allows you to deduct up to $5,000 in startup costs in your first year of operation, provided your total expenses are under $50,000. If your startup costs exceed that threshold, you can still amortize the remaining amount over a 15-year period. This deduction helps ease early-stage financial strain, giving your business a stronger foundation to grow”. Says Allen Seavert, Director of Section 125 Plans

Home Office Deduction:

If you run your business from home, even part-time, you may qualify for the home office deduction. The key requirement is that the space you claim must be used exclusively and regularly for business purposes.

There are two ways to claim it:

A simplified option: $5 per square foot, up to 300 square feet An actual expense method: Based on the proportion of your home used for work (including utilities, rent or mortgage, insurance, etc.)

This is a highly practical deduction, especially for solopreneurs and remote-first operations. It’s a simple way to make your overhead work for you.

Qualified Business Income (QBI) Deduction:

“One of the more powerful but still underutilized deductions is the QBI deduction, introduced under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. If you operate as a sole proprietor, partnership, or S corporation, you may be eligible to deduct up to 20% of your qualified business income. However, there are income thresholds and restrictions based on the type of business you run. For example, service-based businesses may face limitations if their taxable income exceeds a certain amount. Still, for those who qualify, this deduction can significantly lower your tax liability, and the savings can compound annually”. Says Nathan Emerson. CEO of Propertymark

Health Insurance Premiums:

“If you're self-employed, paying for health insurance isn't just a necessary cost it can also serve as a tax advantage. The IRS allows business owners to deduct 100% of health insurance premiums paid for themselves, their spouse, and dependents. This deduction applies even if you don’t itemize, and it’s subtracted directly from your gross income. It’s a smart way to reduce your tax bill while protecting your family’s well-being, especially important for those not covered by employer plans”. Says Michael Izza, Director, ICAEW

Invest in Your Future While Lowering Today’s Taxes:

“Planning for retirement doesn’t just help you in the long term, it offers immediate tax benefits. Contributing to a SEP IRA, Solo 401(k), or SIMPLE IRA allows you to set aside a significant portion of your income up to $70,000 in 2025 for SEP IRAs, depending on your earnings, while reducing your current-year taxable income. You invest in your future and lower your present tax burden, all while staying compliant with IRS guidelines. For many small business owners, this is one of the most powerful ways to save”. Says Arjun Kumar. Co-founder & Co-CEO, Taxd

Smart Investments That Pay Off:

Many business owners overlook deductions related to professional development and advisory services. But whether you’re hiring a CPA, a legal consultant, or attending a leadership workshop, these costs are often fully deductible.

Examples include:

Accounting or legal fees Online courses or in-person seminars related to your industry Certifications that increase your business skills or credibility

Investing in your expertise not only improves operations—it also reduces your tax bill. These are practical, future-focused expenses that add value across multiple fronts.

Conclusion:

Maximizing your tax deductions is more than a financial strategy, it’s a business habit. When you understand which deductions apply to your operations, you unlock resources that can be reinvested in your growth. While many of the options listed above are fully legal and IRS-sanctioned, they’re often forgotten or misunderstood by small business owners. Work with a tax professional who understands small business tax codes and stays current with changes in the law. Together, you can build a year-round strategy that goes beyond tax season and supports sustainable financial health.