26 Tax Deductions for Caterers | Beem

NAICS code: 722300

It’s an exciting and rewarding job to work as a caterer and feed people. You need to have the knack to pull off the perfect event where the highlight is your food. You must have a keen eye for detail thanks to all the food presentations you have done over the years. However, do you have the same keen eye while doing your taxes? Probably not.

With the help of the write-offs listed below, you can cut off many expenses related to your business and deduct them from your taxes. Yes, it’s quite easy once you get the hang of it. If you are a very busy person and can’t set aside some time to do your taxes, then you can hire a professional to do it for you.

We have put together a list of the most common write-offs for caterers that you can use to deduct your expenses.

Cooking equipment & supplies

Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 22

All the kitchen equipment like spatulas, non-stick pans and so on required to run your business can be written off on taxes.
Food & ingredients

Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 38 (COGS)

All the food items and ingredients you purchase to cook for clients are tax deductible.
Advertising

Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 8

The money you spend on Google AdWords, Facebook Ads, and other sites to advertise your catering business is tax-deductible.

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Website & hosting fees

Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 8

The websites you use to meet your client or host events are tax-deductible. These websites include Squarespace, Wix, and others.
Certifications & licenses

Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 23

Any required certifications or licensing fees can be deducted.
Transport containers

Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 22

You need containers to transport all the utensils from your kitchen to the serving station. The money you spend on buying these containers is tax deductible.
Kitchen space

Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 20b

If you have rented a space to do all your cooking business, then the rent money can be deducted on taxes.
Marketing materials

Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 8

Pamphlets, business cards, brochures, menus, and other marketing materials required to promote your business are tax deductible.
Creative assistance

Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 11

When you hire an editor, photographer, or content writer to boost your catering business, you can write off the money you pay them.

If you drive for work ...

You might spend a lot of your time zipping around town to meet clients, finish assignments and do your research among other tasks. Luckily, you can write off car-related expenses like maintenance and gas. Keep these tax write-offs in mind as a growing .

Parking
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 27a
Parking for a meeting downtown, or any other work trip, is tax-deductible!
Tolls
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 27a
A toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible!
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.
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.
Car insurance & registration
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 15
Car insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible.
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 ...

Networking is a core practice of a successful and it can also be added to your tax write-offs. You likely often meet clients or people in your field at restaurants to chat about work, discuss projects and sign deals. When you do, remember to write off your business meal expenses.

🍔 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 ...

Meeting an out-of-town client, attending a conference or networking is all part of the job. There are many reasons for you to travel for work as a busy and they can all be added as tax write-offs. They also count as business trips, so you can write off your travel costs.

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.
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.
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 ...

When you’re not busy working outside, you might spend your time working from your home as a successful and many activities count as tax write-offs. These include business plans, promotional work and coming up with new strategies. In this case, don’t forget to write off your home office expenses!

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.
Property repairs
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 21
You can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property.
Power bill
Write it off using: Form 8829
Gotta keep the lights on in your home office! A portion of your electricity bill counts.
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.
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.
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!