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The Daily Insight Hub

Is interest charged on credit cards tax deductible?

Author

Emma Miller

Updated on February 11, 2026

While you can’t deduct credit card interest, you may be able to write off interest you paid on business expenses charged to your card. This also includes business expenses for contractors and self-employed individuals. And conversely, personal expenses on a business credit card is still considered non-deductible.

Can businesses write off credit card interest?

Deductible credit card interest When you use a credit card in this way, the interest payments you make on the credit card are deductible as a business expense. This means that you can reduce the amount of your business earnings that are subject to tax for these interest payments.

Can you claim credit card interest on taxes Canada?

Some of the interest you pay on your mortgage, loans, or credit cards may be deductible on your tax return. Interest you pay on money used to generate income may be deductible if it meets the Canada Revenue Agency criteria.

When did credit card interest stop being tax deductions?

of 1986
With the Tax Reform Act of 1986, the government stopped allowing a tax deduction for consumers on credit card interest payments.

Is interest on a personal loan tax deductible?

Interest paid on personal loans is not tax deductible. If you borrow to buy a car for personal use or to cover other personal expenses, the interest you pay on that loan does not reduce your tax liability. Similarly, interest paid on credit card balances is also generally not tax deductible.

How do I report my refund interest on my tax return?

Interest is taxable income The 2019 refund interest payments are taxable, and taxpayers must report the interest on their 2020 federal income tax return. The IRS will send a Form 1099-INT to anyone who receives interest totaling at least $10.

Is the interest paid on a credit card deductible?

Credit card interest isn’t tax deductible for personal spending, but if you’ve used your card for business expenses, the interest paid may qualify for a deduction.

Can You claim interest on a business credit card?

The answer: Yes — but only if the interest was accrued on purchases that were business expenses. The interest came from business expenses. The IRS defines business expenses as those that are “ordinary and necessary” for the operation of a business.

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.

Do you have to put credit card interest on your tax return?

For record keeping purposes, file away your receipts and credit card statements detailing interest, so you have them when it’s time to file your tax return. Your tax preparer (even if you prepare your own taxes) will thank you for being so organized.