06/17/2026
These 3 things feel risky to deduct — but the IRS literally allows them.
When I tell business owners what they can deduct, I get the same response every time:
“Wait... I can do that?”
Yes. You can.
Here are 3 deductions people hesitate on, but absolutely shouldn’t:
1. Hiring Your Family
Pay your kids a legitimate wage for legitimate work. It’s deductible to you, and at their lower tax bracket, it’s often tax-free to them. This alone can create meaningful annual tax savings.
2. Your Home Office
If you have a dedicated space in your home used for business, don’t automatically skip this deduction because you think it’s “too risky.” The IRS allows it when it’s documented correctly.
3. Business Meals
Qualified business meals are generally 50% deductible. People avoid them because they think “the IRS hates this.” No — the IRS built it into the tax code. Use it properly.
The IRS didn’t put these in the tax code by accident.
They want business owners to understand the rules and use what applies to them.
If you’re leaving these on the table, you may be leaving money behind.
Comment: 🤔ALLOWED and I’ll send you the checklist of deductions you might be skipping.