When you're just starting your business, there’s a lot to keep up with—finding clients, marketing your services, managing your time, and yes, keeping your books in order. But one area that can really trip up new entrepreneurs is forgetting to track certain business expenses. You know to keep your receipts for software subscriptions and office supplies—but what about the less obvious ones?

Missing out on deductible expenses can mean paying more in taxes than you need to, and it can also distort your understanding of how your business is really performing. The good news? A few simple tweaks to your tracking habits can make a big difference.

Here are five uncommon business expenses that service-based solopreneurs and small business owners often overlook—plus tips to make sure they don’t fall through the cracks.

1. Home Office Utilities and Maintenance

If you work from home, you probably already know you can deduct a portion of your rent or mortgage—but don’t forget about things like electricity, internet, and even minor repairs to your workspace.

Example: If your home office takes up 10% of your home’s square footage, you can typically deduct 10% of your electricity and internet costs.

Tip: Set a calendar reminder to review your utility bills monthly and log the percentage related to your office space in your accounting software.

2. Professional Development

Courses, webinars, certifications, and even industry books are all valid business expenses if they help you maintain or improve your skills.

Example: That $299 virtual workshop on client onboarding? It’s a write-off.

Tip: Keep a dedicated folder in your email or cloud storage labeled “Education Expenses” and save every receipt or registration confirmation there. Or better yet use Xero + Hubdoc, our suggested tech stack for under $30/month.

3. Client Gifts (Under $25 per Client)

Sending a thank-you gift to a loyal client or referral partner? That’s deductible—up to $25 per client per year.

Example: A $20 branded notebook sent after a big project counts.

Tip: Use your CRM or client spreadsheet to track gift purchases and make sure you stay within the allowable limit.

4. Bank and Payment Processing Fees

Those Stripe, PayPal, or bank transaction fees add up—and they’re 100% deductible as business expenses.

Example: If Stripe charges you 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction, you’re paying out a chunk of your revenue every month. Don’t let those fees go unrecorded.

Tip: Run a monthly report from your payment platform and categorize all fees in your accounting system as “Merchant Fees” or “Bank Charges.”

5. Business Use of Your Personal Vehicle

Even if you’re not driving for deliveries, driving to a client meeting, a networking event, the bank, or the office supply store for your business counts.

Example: That 12-mile round trip to meet a potential client at a coffee shop? It's deductible mileage.

Tip: Use a mileage tracking app like MileIQ to automatically log business-related drives and calculate your deductible miles.

Ready to Get a Better Handle on Your Expenses?

Tracking every eligible expense—especially the ones most people miss—can boost your bottom line and reduce your tax burden. But we get it: juggling all of this can be overwhelming, especially when you're wearing every hat in your business.

That’s where a professional accountant can make a huge difference.

If you’re ready to gain clarity, confidence, and control over your business finances, we’d love to help. Reach out today to schedule a consultation and let’s make sure nothing slips through the cracks.