Deductions trade businesses most often miss
Every missed write-off is money paid in tax you didn't owe. Run down this list before your next filing and flag anything you're not already tracking.
- Vehicle — mileage or actual expenses
- Tools & equipment (+ Section 179)
- Work phone & internet (business %)
- Home office, if you qualify
- Business & liability insurance
- Licenses, permits, bonds
- PPE and work-specific gear
- Subcontractor payments (1099s)
- Continuing ed & certifications
- Self-employed health insurance
- Retirement (SEP-IRA / Solo 401k)
- Advertising, website, merchant fees
A checklist, not tax advice — confirm each with your CPA for your situation.
The official doors worth knowing
Real programs built for veteran business owners — free to use, straight from the source.
Links open the official government/nonprofit sites — nothing to buy.
Check your VA disability rate the right way
VA ratings don't add up the way most people expect — two 50% ratings aren't 100%, they combine with "VA math." Your monthly compensation also changes with dependents. Check the current, official figures rather than a guess:
Official VA figures only — I don't quote rates here because they change and depend on your situation.
Veteran property-tax exemptions (MD & DE)
Delmarva veterans with a service-connected disability may qualify for real property-tax relief — but it's claimed at the county level and the thresholds matter.
- Maryland: exemption for veterans rated 100% permanent & total service-connected (and eligible surviving spouses).
- Delaware: disabled-veteran school property-tax credit programs.
Rules and thresholds change — confirm eligibility with your county's assessment office before relying on it.
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