What is this business expense worth?
“It’s a write-off” is doing a lot of work in most people’s heads. This shows what a purchase really costs once the deduction is counted.
What it really costs you
Not enough detail yet
Enter what something costs to see what it actually costs you after the deduction.
- Deductible amount
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- Total tax saved
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- Combined rate
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- SE tax saved
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Common questions
How much does a tax deduction actually save me?
Your marginal income tax rate plus, if you are self-employed, roughly 14% in self-employment tax, plus state tax. At a 22% federal bracket that is about 36% — so a $1,000 purchase costs you around $640.
Is a business expense free if I can deduct it?
No. A deduction reduces the income you are taxed on, it does not refund the purchase. Spending $1,000 to save $360 still leaves you $640 down.
Can I deduct something I use for both work and personal life?
Only the business share, and you need records showing how you arrived at that percentage. A plausible-sounding split with nothing behind it is the first thing an audit unpicks.
What people use next
Estimates based on published federal rules for tax year 2026. State and local tax is not included. This is general information, not advice about your situation.