24 Tax Write-Offs for Beekeepers

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Beekeeping is a delicate balance: keeping the temperature just right, making sure the hive is free of disease and parasites, protecting their valuable honey from sneaky bears and other predators. It’s understandable why you might not want to even think about taxes after that, but it’s a sad reality for us worker drones.

Fortunately, there’s an easy way to sweeten your tax bill! By claiming the ordinary expenses you run into all the time as you repair hives, replace your smoker, or buy new ice packs for your stings, you can significantly lower what you owe on your taxes. Now that’s something to buzz about!

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Beekeeping supplies
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 38 (COGS)

Any supplies needed to keep your colonies alive and flourishing are write-offs.

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Equipment depreciation
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 13

Each year you can deduct the depreciation on equipment like your cameras and lenses.

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Equipment repairs
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 21

Any maintenance or repairs needed for your equipment to operate are fully deductible

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Packaging & shipping
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Bubble mailers, boxes, tissue paper and more: anything you buy to ship customer orders is a write-off.

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Beekeeping equipment
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 38 (COGS)

Equipment like extractors to get honey or beeswax are fully deductible.

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Packaging supplies
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

Bottles and cans to package your beer can be deducted from your taxes.

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Continued education
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Classes you take to enhance your skills after getting your license are tax write-offs.

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Safety equipment
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

Safety equipment, like goggles and masks, can be deducted.

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If you drive for work ...

Beekeeping is busy work. If your work finds you driving to relocate hives or pick up supplies, remember that car-related expenses can be written off your taxes.

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Parking
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Parking for a meeting downtown, or any other work trip, is tax-deductible!

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Tolls
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

A toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible!

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Car purchase & depreciation
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 13

If you buy a new car, you can write off part of the cost every year for five years.

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Vehicle tool kit
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

Flashlights, tire iron, duct tape, and other tools you may need in your vehicle are deductible.

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Car insurance & registration
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 15

Car insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible.

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Car maintenance
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 9

Oil changes, repairs, and regular checkups are all tax-deductible if you drive for work.

If you discuss work at a restaurant ...

As long as the conversation centers around work, the IRS lets you write off the cost of grabbing food or drinks with potential partners or fellow beekeepers.

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Business meals
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24b

If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!

If you leave town for work ...

If work-related events take you out of town, like a beehive relocation or an industry conference, you can deduct your travel expenses from your taxes.

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Transportation
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24a

Planes, trains, and car rentals are all work-related travel costs that can be written off.

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Travel lodging
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24a

When you travel for work, lodging expenses such as hotel rooms or Airbnb are write offs.

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Meals while traveling
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24a

When you're traveling for work, all meals are tax-deductible. Even takeout!

If you work from home ...

There are a (honey)bunch of work responsibilities a beekeeper might take care of remotely: setting up beehive storage, conducting industry research, or managing finances and paperwork. Don't forget to write off your home office expenses!

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Home office furniture
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs.

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Property repairs
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 21

You can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property.

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Power bill
Write it off using:

Form 8829

Gotta keep the lights on in your home office! A portion of your electricity bill counts.

🌪️
Property insurance
Write it off using:

Form 8829

Whether it's rental or homeowners insurance, you can write off a portion through your home office deduction.

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Water bill
Write it off using:

Form 8829

It'd be hard to work in an office without running water, huh? You water bill counts.

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Wi-Fi bill
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 25

Your Comcast bill is a tax write-off. You need internet to do your job!