Most tax deductions available to Michigan small businesses are federal deductions that apply regardless of what state you operate in. The good news is the categories are broad enough to cover most of what you spend running your business. The challenge is tracking everything properly so you actually claim what you’re entitled to.

Operating expenses are fully deductible. Rent, utilities, office supplies, software subscriptions, phone and internet service, and insurance all reduce your taxable income. If you run your business from home, the home office deduction allows you to write off a portion of housing costs based on square footage used exclusively for business purposes.

Vehicle expenses represent significant deductions for many small businesses. You can use the standard mileage rate or track actual expenses including gas, maintenance, insurance, and depreciation. Either method requires documenting business miles. Contractors and service providers driving around Macomb County to job sites often miss thousands in mileage deductions simply because they never tracked the miles.

Equipment purchases can be deducted immediately under Section 179 rather than depreciated over several years. This applies to machinery, tools, computers, vehicles, and furniture. For manufacturers and trade businesses common in Metro Detroit, equipment deductions can substantially lower tax liability in the year of purchase.

Professional services are deductible. Accounting fees, legal fees, consulting, bookkeeping services, and industry-specific services all count. Medical practices can deduct their billing service fees. Any outside expertise you pay for to run your business reduces taxable income.

Employee costs extend beyond wages. Employer payroll taxes, health insurance contributions, retirement plan contributions, workers’ compensation insurance, and training expenses are all deductible. These add up quickly and represent real money if you track them correctly.

Insurance premiums are fully deductible. General liability, professional liability, commercial auto, property insurance, and cyber liability coverage all qualify. Self-employed individuals can also deduct health insurance premiums, though the mechanics work differently than other deductions.

Marketing and advertising expenses are fully deductible. Your website, Google ads, printed materials, signage, vehicle wraps, and local sponsorships all count as business expenses.

Michigan-specific considerations: The state has a flat 4.25% income tax rate, and most small businesses operate as pass-through entities where business income flows to your personal return. There’s no separate state-level small business tax. Some Michigan cities including Detroit have their own income taxes, which matters if you or your employees work in those areas. Make sure your payroll handles local withholding correctly.

Common deductions small businesses miss include mileage, small tool and supply purchases, bank and credit card processing fees, professional development, business meals at 50%, and the business portion of personal phone and internet. These seem minor individually but add up to real money over twelve months.

The deductions only work if you can document them. A Detroit bookkeeping service that categorizes expenses throughout the year makes tax preparation straightforward. Trying to reconstruct a year of expenses in April means lost receipts, forgotten purchases, and deductions you paid taxes on unnecessarily. Track it as you go or work with someone who will.