07/02/2026
Heading somewhere this summer for business, or thinking about combining a trip with some work? This is for you.
Business travel deductions are one of the most valuable write-offs available to small business owners, and one of the most commonly mishandled ones too. People either avoid claiming them because they are unsure what qualifies, or they claim personal expenses that do not actually belong there.
Here is a clear breakdown of what generally qualifies.
What counts: flights and transportation to your business destination, lodging for the nights you are there conducting business, meals during business travel at 50%, conference or professional event fees, and local transportation like rideshares or rental cars used for business while you are traveling.
What does not count: the extra personal days you add onto a business trip, meals or activities with family, entertainment costs, or any expense that is primarily personal in nature even if the trip had a business purpose.
One important rule to keep in mind: for the transportation cost to be fully deductible, the primary purpose of the trip needs to be business. If you are spending four days at the beach and one afternoon at a networking event, that transportation is not going to qualify.
The documentation is just as important as the deduction. Keep your receipts, write down the business purpose of each expense, and note who you met with. That record is what makes the deduction defensible.
If your travel expenses are not being tracked and categorized properly throughout the year, you are likely missing deductions you are entitled to. That is something we can fix.
Reach out at lilyrosenumbers.com/contact
