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3 Business Insurance Expenses to Write Off on Your Taxes
It’s tax season once again! As a business owner, you are likely looking for ways to maximize deductions and reduce taxable income. Fortunately, several business insurance policies qualify as tax-deductible expenses under IRS rules. If an insurance policy is both ordinary (common in your industry) and necessary (helpful for business operations), you may be able to deduct the full cost of the premium. Help protect your business while optimizing your financial strategy with these three tax write-off possibilities.
General Liability Insurance: Protection Against Lawsuits
Every business faces risks, from customer injuries to accidental property damage. General liability insurance helps cover legal costs, medical expenses, and settlements if your business is sued. Fortunately, your premiums for this policy can be deducted as a necessary business expense.
Why Is General Liability Insurance Tax Deductible?
- It’s a fundamental cost of doing business, protecting against unforeseen claims.
- Most commercial leases and contracts require businesses to carry this coverage.
- It helps mitigate financial losses from lawsuits, preventing potential bankruptcy.
How Much of My General Liability Insurance Premium Can I Deduct?
The full cost of your premium is typically deductible, provided the policy is for business purposes only. If you use the insurance for a business that operates from home, you may need to allocate only the business portion of your premium as a deduction.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance: Protecting Your Employees
If you have employees, you’re likely required by state law to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This coverage provides financial support for employees who experience work-related injuries or illnesses. The good news? The premiums you pay for workers’ compensation insurance are tax-deductible.
Why Is Workers’ Compensation Insurance Tax Deductible?
- It’s legally required for most businesses with employees.
- It helps cover injured employees’ medical expenses, rehabilitation, and lost wages.
- It reduces financial risk in the event of workplace accidents.
How Much Can I Deduct Workers Compensation?
You can deduct the full amount of your workers’ compensation premiums, provided the policy strictly covers employees (not personal coverage for yourself). Take the example of a construction company in California that had an employee suffer a fall on-site. Because their policy was intact, workers’ compensation insurance covered the employee’s medical expenses and some of their lost wages. Not only did the business avoid a significant financial hit, but it was also able to deduct the cost of the insurance premium on its taxes, lowering its overall tax burden.
Business Interruption Insurance: Safeguarding Against Revenue Loss
Unforeseen disruptions—natural disasters, fire damage, or forced closures—can significantly impact your revenue. Business interruption insurance helps replace lost income during these events, ensuring financial stability. The IRS considers this coverage an essential business expense, making the premiums deductible.
Why Is Business Interruption Insurance Tax Deductible?
- It compensates for lost income if your business cannot operate due to covered events.
- It covers rent, payroll, and operating expenses during forced closures.
- Many businesses rely on this coverage to stay afloat after disasters.
How Much of My Business Interruption Insurance Can I Deduct?
The entire premium for business interruption insurance is typically deductible, provided it is solely for business use. Take the example of one insurance client in Florida who was forced to shut down for several weeks due to hurricane damage. Business interruption insurance covered lost income, rent, and payroll costs, allowing the restaurant to recover. By deducting the premium cost, the business further minimized its tax liability. This brings a double benefit when it comes to recovering from unforeseen costs.
Maximizing Your Tax Deductions with Business Insurance
Writing off business insurance premiums on your taxes is a smart way to reduce taxable income while ensuring financial protection. When filing your taxes, consider working with a tax professional to ensure you take full advantage of all eligible deductions. By investing in the right insurance policies, you’re not only protecting your business from risk but also making a financially responsible decision that benefits you during tax season. Contact one of our business insurance agents to review or expand your coverage. We are also available to answer any questions regarding your policy if you believe it covers personal and business risks.