Tax Write Offs And Deductions For Caterers

As a caterer, there are numerous tax write-offs and deductions that you can take advantage of to reduce your taxable income. Here's a comprehensive list of expenses you can deduct, and how to go about it.

1. Business Meals

When you're wining and dining potential clients or discussing business over a meal, those costs can add up. But don't worry, they're tax deductible.

How to write it off: Report these expenses on Schedule C, Box 24b of your tax return.

2. Car Insurance & Registration

If you use your car for your catering business, you can deduct the costs of car insurance and registration. This includes if you use your car to deliver food or meet with clients.

How to write it off: These costs can be reported on Schedule C, Box 15 of your tax return.

3. Car Maintenance

Keeping your car in tip-top shape is crucial for your catering business. From oil changes to tire rotations, these maintenance costs are deductible.

How to write it off: Report these expenses on Schedule C, Box 9 of your tax return.

4. Certifications & Licenses

As a caterer, you may need certain certifications and licenses. These costs are deductible, so don't forget to keep track of them.

How to write it off: These costs can be reported on Schedule C, Box 23 of your tax return.

5. Cooking Equipment & Supplies

From spatulas to industrial ovens, the cost of cooking equipment and supplies can be deducted. This includes both the purchase price and the cost of maintenance and repairs.

How to write it off: Report these expenses on Schedule C, Box 22 of your tax return.

6. Creative Assistance

Whether it's a graphic designer for your menus or a social media manager for your online presence, the cost of creative assistance is deductible.

How to write it off: Report these expenses on Schedule C, Box 11 of your tax return.

7. Dishes & Utensils

Plates, glasses, forks, knives - all the dishes and utensils you need for your catering business are tax deductible.

How to write it off: Report these expenses on Schedule C, Box 22 of your tax return.

8. Food & Ingredients

As a caterer, your biggest expense is likely the food and ingredients you use. Good news, these costs are deductible.

How to write it off: Report these expenses on Schedule C, Box 38 (COGS) of your tax return.

9. Home Office Furniture

If you work from home, the cost of your home office furniture can be deducted. This includes desks, chairs, and other necessary furniture.

How to write it off: Report these expenses on Schedule C, Box 18 of your tax return.

10. Kitchen Space

If you rent a kitchen space for your catering business, the cost of that rent is deductible.

How to write it off: Report these expenses on Schedule C, Box 20b of your tax return.

11. Marketing Materials

From business cards to brochures, all your marketing materials are tax deductible. So go ahead, make that impression count!

How to write it off: Report these expenses on Schedule C, Box 8 of your tax return.

12. Meals While Traveling

On the road for a catering gig? Your meals while traveling are deductible. Just remember to keep those receipts!

How to write it off: Report these expenses on Schedule C, Box 24a of your tax return.

13. Online Advertising

Whether it's a sponsored post on social media or a banner ad on a popular website, your online advertising costs can be written off.

How to write it off: Report these expenses on Schedule C, Box 8 of your tax return.

14. Parking

Those pesky parking fees can add up, but luckily they're tax deductible. Just another reason to park it right here!

How to write it off: Report these expenses on Schedule C, Box 27a of your tax return.

15. Power Bill

Keeping the lights on and the ovens hot costs money. But don't fret, your power bill is deductible.

How to write it off: Report these expenses on Form 8829 of your tax return.

16. Property Insurance

Protecting your business property is important and the cost of that insurance is deductible.

How to write it off: Report these expenses on Form 8829 of your tax return.

17. Property Repairs

From a leaky faucet to a broken oven, the cost of property repairs is deductible.

How to write it off: Report these expenses on Schedule C, Box 21 of your tax return.

18. Tolls

Those tolls you pay on the way to a catering gig? They're tax deductible. So, keep cruising!

How to write it off: Report these expenses on Schedule C, Box 27a of your tax return.

19. Transport Containers

The containers you use to transport your delicious creations are deductible. So, keep those meals on the move!

How to write it off: Report these expenses on Schedule C, Box 22 of your tax return.

20. Transportation

Whether it's a van rental or a plane ticket, your transportation costs for business purposes are deductible.

How to write it off: Report these expenses on Schedule C, Box 24a of your tax return.

21. Travel Lodging

When you're on the road for a catering gig, your lodging costs are deductible. So, rest easy!

How to write it off: Report these expenses on Schedule C, Box 24a of your tax return.

22. Vehicle Tool Kit

Every caterer needs a good vehicle tool kit. And guess what? It's tax deductible.

How to write it off: Report these expenses on Schedule C, Box 22 of your tax return.

23. Water Bill

Keeping your kitchen clean and your food cooked requires water, and that water bill is deductible.

How to write it off: Report these expenses on Form 8829 of your tax return.

24. Website & Hosting Fees

Your online presence is crucial in this digital age, and the costs of maintaining your website and hosting fees are deductible.

How to write it off: Report these expenses on Schedule C, Box 8 of your tax return.

25. Wi-Fi Bill

From taking online orders to updating your social media, your Wi-Fi bill is a necessary business expense and it's tax deductible.

How to write it off: Report these expenses on Schedule C, Box 25 of your tax return.