Marketing Business Tax Deductions: Can You Write Off Your Beach Vacation?

Jun 23

A Tax Guide for Marketing Agencies That Keeps It Real

You’ve probably heard it before:

“Just write off your whole vacation, you’ll be working!”
“If you post from the beach, it counts as a business expense, right?”

Sounds great in theory. But let’s pump the brakes.

I love a good deduction. But there’s a difference between being strategic—and just crossing your fingers and hoping the IRS is too busy to notice.

Let’s talk about what actually counts, what definitely doesn’t, and how to make your business trips legit and tax-smart.

**Marketing Business Tax Deductions: What the IRS Actually Cares About**

Here’s the deal: the IRS isn’t trying to ruin your fun. But they do care about a few things when it comes to travel deductions:

Was there a clear business purpose for the trip? (as in was the reason you had to go to that location business...not did you happen to work from there)
Did you plan it as a business trip ahead of time?
Were you working more than half the time you were there?

If you’re just slapping “business” on a trip after the fact because you took a client call on the hotel balcony… that’s not gonna fly.

**What Could Be Deductible (If You Do It Right)**

If your trip is genuinely for business, these expenses might be deductible:

Transportation (flights, rental cars, mileage)
Lodging (on workdays—not the long weekend you tacked on)
Meals (limited to 50% as is standard with meals!)
Wi-Fi, coworking spaces, or equipment rentals
Client meetings, strategy sessions, or content shoots (planned in advance)

It’s all about intention and documentation. No documentation = risky deduction.

Where Business Owners Usually Slip Up

Let’s talk about the biggest mistakes I see creative entrepreneurs make with marketing business tax deductions:

Assuming content = business trip
Forgetting to document why they were working
Mixing personal and business expenses
Realizing they’ve over-deducted... in April

This doesn’t mean you’re doing something “wrong.” But it does mean you might be playing it a little fast and loose—and that can cost you.

How to Actually Make It Work (Without Losing Your Mind)

Planning a trip that’s actually deductible? Here’s how to make it work:

Decide the business purpose in advance
Are you meeting clients? Creating content for your biz? Attending an event? Great—write it down.
Keep documentation
Save your emails, calendar invites, and travel itinerary. Screenshot that DM convo if it led to an in-person collab. Future you (and your CPA) will thank you.
Separate business and personal expenses
If you extend the trip for fun, that’s fine! But only deduct the business portion. Split out the hotel nights, meals, and transportation accordingly.
Use the right tools
The ProfitWay Dashboard helps you track expenses clearly so tax season isn’t a guessing game.
And if you’re running payroll? Use GUSTO to keep things compliant—even if you’re paying yourself while sipping a piña colada.

LEARN MORE

The Real Question: Can Your Business Afford This Trip?

Forget what Instagram says—here’s the better question:

Does your business actually support this trip right now?

This is where clarity matters. When you know your numbers, you can make smart calls about:

Whether it’s worth going
What you can write off
And if the business will benefit from it—or just break even

TL;DR

You can write off a business trip. But not just because you brought your laptop.

The IRS wants to see intention, documentation, and a clear business reason. You don’t have to skip the trip—you just have to plan it smart. And the easiest way to know what’s worth it? Use a system that keeps your finances clear.

What To Do Next (Based on Where You’re At)

→ Just getting started? The Financial Foundations Starter Kit has everything you need to build smart habits now.

→ Want clarity & confidence? ProfitWay Dashboard is a visual way to track how your biz is doing.

→ Need done-with-you support? Apply for The Trendsetter – for the CEOs who are done guessing!

You deserve a business that funds your lifestyle—and a financial system that keeps you sane.

Plan ahead. Track what matters. And yes, you can still enjoy the beach.

The Profitway Dashboard

This digital dashboard makes it easier than ever to visualize your business finances, set financial goals, and stay on track. Bonus: no expensive software or numbers knowledge required.

LEARN MORE

More Financial Resources for Marketing Agencies:

Disclaimer: While this guide provides valuable insights, it's important to note that every business has unique circumstances. For personalized advice tailored to your specific situation, please consult with a qualified financial professional. Our goal at CBFS is to empower you to make informed decisions that support your business growth and personal wealth-building objectives.

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