Tax Savings Tips for New Businesses in Their First Year
Smart strategies from SimpleCorp to keep more of what you earn
Your first year in business is exciting — and busy. Between finding customers, delivering your product or service, and building your brand, taxes might be the last thing on your mind. But smart tax planning from the start can put thousands of dollars back in your pocket.
At SimpleCorp, we’ve worked with countless new entrepreneurs, and we’ve seen the same missed opportunities over and over. Here are our top tax-saving tips for your first year in business.
1. Choose the Right Tax Classification from Day One
Your business entity and IRS tax election have a huge impact on your tax bill.
LLCs can default to sole proprietorship or partnership taxation, or elect S-Corp or C-Corp status.
Corporations can elect S-Corp status if they qualify, potentially reducing self-employment taxes.
💡 SimpleCorp Tip: Even if you start with the default classification, talk to a CPA about whether making an S-Corp election with Form 2553 could save you money this year or next.
2. Track Every Business Expense — Even the Small Ones
From your first day, keep detailed records of all business purchases. Common deductions include:
Office supplies and equipment
Business insurance
Marketing and advertising
Professional fees (accounting, legal)
Travel and meals for business purposes
💡 SimpleCorp Tip: Use a separate business bank account and credit card to make expense tracking easier — and to strengthen your legal liability protection.
3. Deduct Your Startup Costs
The IRS allows you to deduct up to $5,000 in startup costs and $5,000 in organizational costs in your first year, with the rest amortized over time.
Examples include:
Incorporation fees
Market research
Advertising before launch
Professional consultations
💡 SimpleCorp Tip: Keep receipts and notes on each expense — it’s easier to claim them at tax time if you can prove the expense was related to starting the business.
4. Take Advantage of the Home Office Deduction (If Eligible)
If you work from home, you may be able to deduct a portion of your:
Rent or mortgage interest
Utilities
Internet
Maintenance costs
Rules: The space must be used regularly and exclusively for business.
💡 SimpleCorp Tip: You can use the simplified method ($5 per square foot, up to 300 sq. ft.) or calculate the actual percentage of your home used for business.
5. Don’t Forget Self-Employment Tax Strategies
If you’re self-employed, you’ll pay self-employment tax (Social Security + Medicare) on your profits. Strategies to reduce it include:
Structuring as an S-Corp and taking part of your income as distributions instead of salary (must follow IRS reasonable compensation rules)
Maximizing deductible business expenses
Contributing to a retirement plan (SEP IRA, Solo 401k)
💡 SimpleCorp Tip: These strategies work best when your business has consistent profits — timing your election can be key.
6. Leverage Section 179 and Bonus Depreciation
If you purchase equipment, machinery, or software, Section 179 allows you to deduct the full cost in the year you buy it (up to limits), instead of depreciating it over several years. Bonus depreciation can also apply to certain assets.
💡 SimpleCorp Tip: Talk to your tax advisor before year-end — sometimes buying before December 31 can reduce your current year’s taxable income.
7. Work with a Professional
Tax rules change, and every business is unique. A small investment in professional tax advice can result in big savings and fewer headaches.
💡 SimpleCorp Tip: We connect our clients with trusted tax professionals who specialize in small business planning — saving time and money from the start.
Bottom Line
The first year of your business is the best time to build smart tax habits. Every dollar you save on taxes is a dollar you can reinvest in growth.
At SimpleCorp, we don’t just help you incorporate — we help you start smart, stay compliant, and keep more of your hard-earned money.
📌 Ready to launch your business the smart way? Get Started with SimpleCorp →