Can I write off tools and supplies for my trade?

Tools and supplies are deductible as business expenses if they are ordinary and necessary for your trade or business. This means they must be common and accepted in your field and helpful and appropriate for your business. For example, a carpenter can deduct the cost of hammers and saws, while a graphic designer can deduct design software. However, if the tools have a useful life of more than one year, they may need to be depreciated rather than expensed immediately.