24 Tax Write-Offs for Self-Employed Florists
NAICS business codeYour NAICS business code is a six-digit string of numbers that shows the type of work your business does. NAICS stands for North American Industry Classification System. When you do your taxes, you'll enter it in Box B of your Schedule C.459310
Reviewed bya tax professionalThis content has been reviewed by an Enrolled Agent (EA) with the IRS — the highest credential awarded by the agency. Enrolled Agents are empowered to represent all taxpayers before the IRS, on all types of tax-related matters. Accountants who earn this certification have passed a comprehensive three-part exam on individual and business tax returns. To maintain EA status, they must stay up to date in the field by completing 72 hours of continuing education every three years.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 that can be written off on your taxes.
From clippers to gardening gloves, floral tape to flower frogs, these tools of the trade are indispensable — which makes them a write-off.
Bubble mailers, boxes, tissue paper and more: anything you buy to ship customer orders is a write-off.
Thorn sleeves, gloves, aprons, and shear guards that protect you while working with flowers are write-offs.
The depreciation on your machinery and equipment is considered tax-deductible.
If you have to keep inventory of products or samples, you can write these off.
Squarespace, Wix, GoDaddy, and other website service fees are fully tax-deductible.
Print and online advertising costs for your business are considered write-offs.
If you need to hire an editor, designer, photographer, or other creative pro, write off what you pay them.
If you drive for work ...
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.
Parking for a meeting downtown, or any other work trip, is tax-deductible!
A toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible!
If you buy a new car, you can write off part of the cost every year for five years.
Flashlights, tire iron, duct tape, and other tools you may need in your vehicle are deductible.
Car insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible.
Oil changes, repairs, and regular checkups are all tax-deductible if you drive for work.
If you discuss work at a restaurant ...
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.
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!
If you leave town for work ...
From Floriexpo to the Society of American Florists Annual Convention, you've got plenty of reasons 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 conferences aren't the only business trip-worthy events. If you meet with an out-of-town supplier or client, that also qualifies.
Planes, trains, and car rentals are all work-related travel costs that can be written off.
When you travel for work, lodging expenses such as hotel rooms or Airbnb are write-offs.
When you're traveling for work, all meals are tax-deductible. Even takeout!
If you work from home ...
Do you prepare floral arrangements, store your product, or maintain your professional social media from home? That qualifies you to deduct part of your rent, utilities, and other home expenses.
A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs.
You can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property.
Gotta keep the lights on in your home office! A portion of your electricity bill counts.
Whether it's rental or homeowners insurance, you can write off a portion through your home office deduction.
It'd be hard to work in an office without running water, huh? Your water bill counts.
Your Comcast bill is a tax write-off. You need internet to do your job!
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