Can you deduct credit card interest as a business expense?
Emma Miller
Updated on February 10, 2026
Credit card interest accrued on business expenses is itself a tax-deductible business expense. The answer: Yes — but only if the interest was accrued on purchases that were business expenses.
What expenses are tax deductible for S Corp?
S-Corp Tax Deductions Ordinary business expenses such as rent, taxes, advertising, company-provided employee benefits, depreciation and interest can be subtracted from profits and income to arrive at the net income for the business. If this net income is negative, it is passed through to shareholders as a deduction.
Is Credit Card Interest an allowable expense?
If you have credit card debt, you may be wondering whether your credit card interest is deductible as you prepare your federal tax return. You can’t deduct credit card interest for personal expenses, but you can deduct credit card interest for business-related expenses.
Is interest on corporate debt tax deductible?
Under the US corporate tax code, debt and equity investments are treated unequally. It allows for interest expense deductions of up to 30 percent of adjusted taxable income, or earnings before interest, depreciation, amortization, and taxes.
Can I deduct credit card interest self-employed?
Businesses, contractors, and other self-employed individuals are allowed to deduct credit card interest when they use the purchases for qualified business expenses. 2 You must be fully liable for the credit card purchases, meaning the expenses must have been paid on your own credit card.
How does an S Corp save on taxes?
S corps, defined S corps are considered pass-through entities, which means that your business doesn’t pay taxes on the profits you earn—you, the owner do. Unlike C corps, where both the business and owners pay income taxes, an S corp avoids double taxation as a pass-through entity.
Can I claim legal expenses on my taxes?
Any legal fees that are related to personal issues can’t be included in your itemized deductions. According to the IRS, these fees include: Fees related to nonbusiness tax issues or tax advice. Fees that you pay in connection with the determination, collection or refund of any taxes.
Do you report credit cards on taxes?
Generally, the IRS categorizes redemption of credit card rewards and frequent flyer miles as non-taxable. Instead of being seen as income, “they are treated as rebates or discounts on what you purchased,” Steven Rossman, CPA and shareholder at accounting firm Drucker & Scaccetti, tells Select.
Is the interest on a business credit card deductible?
If you use your business credit card for any personal expenses and pay interest on those expenses, that interest is not deductible on your business tax return. If you use your business card for personal expenses as well as business expenses, review your statements and calculate how much of the interest was for business expenses.
Can A S corporation claim a tax deduction?
An S corporation makes it easier to claim legitimate tax deductions. Unlike in case of a standard company, the corporate income tax does not apply to an S corporation. Normally, companies pay higher income taxes under the corporate tax bracket.
Can a self employed person deduct credit card interest?
Businesses, contractors, and other self-employed individuals are allowed to deduct credit card interest when they use the purchases for qualified business expenses. You must be fully liable for the credit card purchases, meaning the expenses must have been paid on your own credit card.
Is the annual fee on a credit card deductible?
Annual Fees The annual fees you pay on your business credit card are tax deductible, which can help justify getting that business credit card with the steeper annual fee that also has amazing rewards. Yes, you can write it off. Remember though that the primary use of the card needs to be for business purposes and not for personal expenses.