It's hard to stop and smell the roses when taxes are due — even for a florist.
Luckily, anyone with self-employment income can lower their taxable income with work expenses. Supplies aren't free, after all. Why should you pay taxes on income that went right back out the door?
This guide offers a roadmap for the types of work expenses can be written off on your taxes.
Schedule C, Box 38 (COGS)
From clippers to gardening gloves, floral tape to flower frogs, these tools of the trade are indispensable — which makes them a write-off.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Bubble mailers, boxes, tissue paper and more: anything you buy to ship customer orders is a write-off.
Schedule C, Box 22
Items used to protect you from harm while on the job can be written off.
Schedule C, Box 13
The depreciation on your machinery and equipment is considered tax-deductible.
Schedule C, Box 36 (COGS)
If you have to keep inventory of products or samples, you can write these off.
Schedule C, Box 8
Squarespace, Wix, GoDaddy, and other website service fees are fully tax-deductible.
Schedule C, Box 8
Print and online advertising costs for your business are considered write-offs.
Schedule C, Box 11
If you need to hire an editor, designer, photographer, or other creative pro, write off what you pay them.
You might drive your car to deliver arrangements. Or maybe it takes you back and forth from suppliers and vendors. Either way, you can write off part of what you spend on vehicle expenses, from gas to insurance.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Parking for a meeting downtown, or any other work trip, is tax-deductible!
Schedule C, Box 27a
A toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible!
Schedule C, Box 13
If you buy a new car, you can write off part of the cost every year for five years.
Schedule C, Box 22
Flashlights, tire iron, duct tape, and other tools you may need in your vehicle are deductible.
Schedule C, Box 15
Car insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible.
Schedule C, Box 9
Oil changes, repairs, and regular checkups are all tax-deductible if you drive for work.
Are you grabbing a meal with a customer or a supplier? That makes it a business expense.
The IRS lets you write off 50% of what you spend on business meals. So go ahead — schedule that meeting with the wedding planner over lunch.
Schedule C, Box 24b
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!
From Floriexpo to the Society of American Florists Annual Convention, you've got plenty of ready to travel out of town. As long as you're heading out for work-related reasons, the IRS has no problem with you writing off your airfare and accommodations.
Industry conference aren't the only business trip-worthy events. If you meet with an out-of-town supplier or client, that also qualifies.
Schedule C, Box 24a
Planes, trains, and car rentals are all work-related travel costs that can be written off.
Schedule C, Box 24a
When you travel for work, lodging expenses such as hotel rooms or Airbnb are write offs.
Schedule C, Box 24a
When you're traveling for work, all meals are tax-deductible. Even takeout!
Do you prepare floral arrangements, store your product, or maintain your professional social media from home? That qualifies you deduct part of your rent, utilities, and other home expenses.
Schedule C, Box 18
A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs.
Schedule C, Box 21
You can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property.
Form 8829
Gotta keep the lights on in your home office! A portion of your electricity bill counts.
Form 8829
Whether it's rental or homeowners insurance, you can write off a portion through your home office deduction.
Form 8829
It'd be hard to work in an office without running water, huh? You water bill counts.
Schedule C, Box 25
Your Comcast bill is a tax write-off. You need internet to do your job!
