Yes — Fully Claimable
Can I Claim Professional Services (Accountant, Lawyer) as a Business Expense in United States?
Yes — fees paid to CPAs, tax preparers, attorneys, bookkeepers and consultants for business purposes are fully deductible. Capitalize legal fees that relate to acquiring assets or organizing the business.
Typical claim: $2,500–$15,000 per year
What Internal Revenue Service (IRS) says
IRC Section 162 allows ordinary and necessary business expenses including professional fees. Section 263 requires capitalization of fees related to acquiring or improving capital assets, or organizing/reorganizing a business (amortizable over 180 months under §195).
When you can claim
- Tax preparation fees for business returns (Schedule C, 1120, 1120-S, 1065)
- CPA bookkeeping and advisory fees
- Legal fees for trade contracts, employment matters
- Business consultancy fees
- Registered agent fees (Delaware, etc.)
When you cannot claim
- Legal fees to organize a corporation (capitalize, amortize over 180 months)
- Personal tax return preparation (split between business and personal portions)
- Fees relating to a capital asset acquisition (capitalize into asset basis)
Related expenses
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