As many of you continue to deliver groceries, food, and other essentials to our communities during this difficult time, we want to take a second to thank you for your hard work! 

While on the job, please take extra precautions to keep yourselves healthy…and please save your receipts! Many of the items you purchase to stay safe during this pandemic are deductible, which will save you money next tax season. 

What Are Tax Deductible Expenses? 

Did you know that you only have to pay taxes on your business profit? That means you can (and should!) subtract the money you spend on business expenses from your income. This strategy lowers the amount of money you’re taxed on and can save you thousands of dollars every year.

Business expenses are anything that are ordinary (common for your type of work) and necessary (helpful to your business). This includes things like: 

• Mileage

• Cell phone bills

• Courier backpacks and hot bags 

You need to have proof of these expenses in order to deduct them at tax time. There are many tax apps, including our free Stride app, that make it easy to find and track deductions related to your job type. 

What COVID-19 Items Are Tax Deductible? 

Because they are ordinary and necessary to your job, items that help you stay healthy on the job qualify as business expenses. This includes things like: 

• Hand sanitizer

• Sanitizer wipes or disinfectant sprays for your phone, vehicle, bike, delivery bags, etc. 

• Gloves

• Tissues 

• Face masks 

If you use Stride to track your deductions, you can take pictures of your receipts and store these expenses under the “Supplies” category. 

For more COVID-19 resources, please visit our guide here.