01
Advertising and marketing
Review listing promotions, business ads and marketing materials. Recurring business promotions may qualify; long-term assets and entertainment need separate treatment.
One useful actionKeep campaign invoices and a copy of each advertisement, with its business purpose.
IRS business expense guidance ↗02
Business mileage and travel to clients or jobs
Qualifying trips between workplaces, to clients or to job sites may be deductible. Use eligible business mileage or the business share of actual vehicle costs, not both. Regular commuting is generally not deductible; avoid deducting a cost already reimbursed.
One useful actionLog the date, destination, business purpose and miles for each trip. Keep parking and toll receipts, and track total annual vehicle miles.
IRS car and travel guidance ↗03
Licensing, professional dues and regulatory fees
Existing-business license renewals and eligible professional association dues may qualify. Exclude lobbying portions, social-club dues, fines and initial career-qualification costs.
One useful actionKeep renewal receipts and dues statements showing any nondeductible lobbying portion.
IRS business expense guidance ↗Business expenses must be ordinary and necessary. Keep receipts and the business purpose; separate personal use and reimbursements. Inventory and long-term assets can have different rules. General education, not individual tax advice.