31 Tax Write-Offs for Farmers

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Is there anything more satisfying than sitting down to a meal made from the fresh ingredients you just cultivated on your farm? Probably not, but saving money on your taxes can come close!

For farmers, that’s easier than ever. Simply by writing off the everyday sort of business expenses your farm requires, you can harvest your savings and keep even more green in your pocket. Now that’s a bounty worth crowing about!

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Livestock
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 13 (Fixed asset)

The cost of livestock, like cows, horses, and pigs, can be deducted on your taxes.

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Feed for livestock
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

Food to feed livestock on the farm is considered tax-deductible.

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Seeds & plants
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 38 (COGS)

Write off seeds and plants you purchase to grow and harvest.

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Farming supplies
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

Small supplies like shovels and hoes you use to farm are tax-deductible.

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Veterinary costs
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 17

Deduct vet bills if your livestock become sick or needs medical attention.

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Repairs & maintenance
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 9

Write off what you pay for any car repairs and scheduled maintenance.

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Equipment depreciation
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 13

The depreciation on your machinery and equipment is considered tax-deductible.

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Advertising
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 8

Print and online advertising costs for your business are considered write-offs.

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Website & hosting fees
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 8

Squarespace, Wix, GoDaddy, and other website service fees are fully tax-deductible.

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Contracted help
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 11

Freelancers, contractors, or other services that help you run your business are tax-deductible.

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Packaging materials
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

Need to ship any of your produce? Materials you buy to keep it safe in transit can be deducted.

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Farmer education
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Whether they're on farm safety or sustainable agriculture, deduct any courses, training sessions, and seminars that make you a better farmer. You don't have to get a degree or certificate at the end.

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Accountant fees
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 17

Do you pay a professional to audit your financial records and take care of your tax planning? Their fees are a write-off.

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Farm insurance policy
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 15

Any farm coverage you pay for, to cover you from liability or protect your barns and assets, is tax-deductible.

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Farming equipment & machines
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 13 (Fixed assets)

Large machinery and equipment needed for farming are tax-deductible.

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If you drive for work ...

Even if you work primarily from your home or farm, the occasional trip to pick up supplies, meet a buyer, or attend the local farmers market still allows you to claim part of your car expenses.

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Parking
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Parking for a meeting downtown, or any other work trip, is tax-deductible!

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Tolls
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

A toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible!

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Car purchase & depreciation
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 13

If you buy a new car, you can write off part of the cost every year for five years.

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Vehicle tool kit
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

Flashlights, tire iron, duct tape, and other tools you may need in your vehicle are deductible.

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Car insurance & registration
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 15

Car insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible.

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Car maintenance
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 9

Oil changes, repairs, and regular checkups are all tax-deductible if you drive for work.

If you discuss work at a restaurant ...

If you go out for lunch with a partner or fellow farmer and the conversation centers around work, you can claim the business meal deduction.

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Business meals
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24b

If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!

If you leave town for work ...

You can apply the travel tax deduction to many different aspects of travel. Such as transportation, lodging, or on-the-go meals.

Keep this in mind if you go out of town for things like vendor network sessions, farming conferences, animal breeding seminars, or fairs.

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Transportation
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24a

Planes, trains, and car rentals are all work-related travel costs that can be written off.

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Travel lodging
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24a

When you travel for work, lodging expenses such as hotel rooms or Airbnb are write offs.

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Meals while traveling
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24a

When you're traveling for work, all meals are tax-deductible. Even takeout!

If you work from home ...

Remember: You qualify for the home office deduction if you have an at-home workspace that you regularly work at.

So if you have a desk where you conduct research or manage your inventory, you can claim it!

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Home office furniture
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs.

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Property repairs
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 21

You can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property.

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Power bill
Write it off using:

Form 8829

Gotta keep the lights on in your home office! A portion of your electricity bill counts.

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Property insurance
Write it off using:

Form 8829

Whether it's rental or homeowners insurance, you can write off a portion through your home office deduction.

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Water bill
Write it off using:

Form 8829

It'd be hard to work in an office without running water, huh? You water bill counts.

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Wi-Fi bill
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 25

Your Comcast bill is a tax write-off. You need internet to do your job!