Starting Your Business/Keeping Records

What are Business Expenses

Dues & Subscriptions

Generally, you cannot deduct amounts you pay or incur for membership in any club organized for business, pleasure, recreation, or any other social purpose. This includes country clubs, golf and athletic clubs, hotel clubs, sporting clubs, airline clubs, and clubs operated to provide meals under circumstances generally considered to be conducive to business discussions.

However, none of the following organizations will be treated as a club organized for business, pleasure, recreation, or other social purpose unless one of the main purposes is to conduct entertainment activities for members or their guests or to provide members or their guests with access to entertainment facilities.

• Boards of trade
• Business leagues
• Chambers of commerce
• Civic or public service organizations
• Professional organizations such as bar associations and medical associations
• Real estate boards
• Trade associations

You can deduct as a business expense, subscriptions to professional, technical, and trade journals that deal with your business field.

Important References:

Publication 535                                   Business Expense
Schedule C (Form 1040)                      Profit or Loss from Business
Instructions for Schedule C (Form 1040)