Business cards are an ordinary and necessary business expense under IRC §162. The full cost is deductible in the year purchased.
Getting the deduction right is not just about whether it is allowed — it is about how you set it up.
Business cards are inherently business-related.
Save the receipt from the printer.
Deduct as marketing or office supplies expense.
No common mistakes -- this is a straightforward deduction.
Bundle with other marketing expenses (logo design, brochures) for a larger marketing deduction.
When structured correctly, this deduction can significantly reduce your taxable income.
Here is how this deduction typically works in real situations:
A consultant orders 500 business cards for $50.
An LLC orders business cards for the entire team.
N/A -- business cards are inherently business-related.
Key Takeaway: The difference between a valid deduction and a denied one usually comes down to documentation, usage percentage, and proper structuring. The same expense can be fully deductible, partially deductible, or not deductible at all — depending on how it is handled.
Yes -- fully deductible as a marketing or office expense under IRC §162.
