In today’s world, there are subscriptions for everything. Meals, music, radio, TV, magazines, clothing, and more can all be delivered to your door for a small monthly fee. The cost may seem inconsequential at first, but the charges can quickly add up. So, you may be wondering, “Can I deduct any of these services on my tax return?”
Are my subscriptions tax deductible?
Some subscriptions are tax deductible in certain cases. If you own a business or are self-employed, you can deduct the following types of subscriptions as a business expense:
- Professional, technical, medical, or trade journals or magazines related to your business
- Professional materials subscriptions, like ink or software
- Your business phone plan
- Your electricity, internet, or other plans that you use in a home office
- Your website hosting fees
- Dues to a professional subscription or organization
Each subscription must be directly related to your business to be claimed as a deduction.
Learn more about the basics of self-employed taxes
Can I deduct subscriptions if I’m not a business owner or self-employed?
No. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act eliminated all miscellaneous itemized deductions, including subscriptions related to:
- Investments
- Unreimbursed employee expenses
- Job search
- Hobbies
The new law went into effect in 2018 and will continue through 2025. It will return in 2026 unless another law is passed.
Not sure if you have a business or a hobby? Read more here.
Can I deduct my video streaming service (Netflix, Hulu, etc.)?
It depends. If you own a business and use a video streaming service to entertain your guests, you may deduct it. For example, if you are an aspiring videographer and have a YouTube subscription for business use, you may be able to deduct the service.
According to the IRS, it must be both “ordinary and necessary” for your business, and only used for your business. You can’t use your business account for your personal use. If the IRS audits your return, you must be able to prove that the subscription meets these requirements.
Can I deduct my audio streaming service (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.)?
Maybe – if you own a business and use an audio streaming service to entertain your guests, you may deduct it. For example, if you are a dentist and have a waiting room that you play music in, you can deduct the cost of the streaming service as a business expense. As mentioned above, the IRS states that it must be “ordinary and necessary” for your business, and only used for your business. If you have a music streaming service that you use for both personal and business purposes, you can’t deduct it.
Can I deduct meal kits (Blue Apron, Hello Fresh, etc.) on my taxes?
These types of subscriptions must also be considered “ordinary and necessary” for your business to be deducted on your return as a business owner. Your meal delivery service is probably not deductible unless you use all the meals in the box for business functions.
Here’s how the meal deduction works: an ordinary meal like lunch or dinner is not deductible (unless you are on a work trip). On the other hand, if you’re having a meal with a prospective client to discuss business, the expense could be partially deductible. Learn more.
Can I deduct clothing subscriptions like Stitch Fix or Trunk Club?
These types of services are probably not deductible. However, the IRS does have guidelines for what clothes can be deducted. If your job requires you to wear a uniform, and that uniform is not suitable for everyday wear, you may be able to deduct the cost of that clothing as a business expense.
Can I deduct my Amazon Prime subscription on my taxes?
If you’re self-employed and you order supplies from Amazon that are necessary and ordinary for your business, and you strictly use the membership for those professional items, you can deduct the service on your return.
I prepaid for a subscription for my business for three years. How do I deduct my subscription on my tax return?
If you paid for a subscription for more than one year in advance, prorate the cost for each year to deduct the cost of a single year on your tax return. Determine how much on average you pay for the subscription on a monthly basis and multiply it by 12.
Where do I deduct subscriptions on my tax return?
Deduct your business expenses on Form 1040, Schedule C under “other expenses.” Schedule C will help you figure out your net profit, so you can add it as income on your Form 1040. Your net profit includes your gross income minus any tax credits or deductions you can claim.
