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Is are stripe fees tax deductible a business expense?

TL;DR

Yes, Stripe fees are generally tax-deductible as a business expense, provided they are incurred in the course of running your business. Ensure they are ordinary and necessary expenses for your trade or business.

Detailed Answer

Stripe fees, like other payment processing fees, are deductible as they are considered ordinary and necessary expenses under IRS guidelines. These fees are incurred as part of the cost of doing business, especially for those who sell products or services online. However, if the fees are associated with personal transactions, they are not deductible. For example, if a freelancer uses Stripe to process payments for client work, the fees associated with those transactions are deductible. Conversely, if Stripe is used for personal transactions, those fees cannot be deducted. There are no percentage limits or business-use requirements specific to this deduction, but the fees must be directly related to business activities.

Where to Put It on the Tax Form

Schedule C, Line 27a (Other Expenses), or as part of 'Cost of Goods Sold' if applicable.

Real World Example

A freelance graphic designer who uses Stripe to process $10,000 in payments from clients incurs $300 in Stripe fees over the year. The designer can deduct the $300 as a business expense on Schedule C, reducing their taxable income.

Audit Risk & Documentation Tips

Audit risk is low for this type of deduction, but it's important to keep detailed records. Save all Stripe transaction records and monthly statements. Ensure that fees are clearly tied to business transactions. Using accounting software to track these expenses can also help substantiate the deduction if questioned by the IRS.

IRS Reference

IRS Publication 535, Business Expenses

Relevant Industries

FreelancersE-commerceConsultantsSmall Business Owners

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Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as tax or legal advice. Always consult your tax advisor.

Page created on July 15, 2025