No matter what your business is, we suspect it is constantly changing. Part of keeping up with it involves learning as much as you can. We at B&J know How to Categorize Business Expenses and wanted to help those of you who stay ahead of trends. Here are 6 business expenses for education you can write off.

1. Books Related to Your Business and Even Business in General

Did you know that books you buy for your business to help yourself or workers learn can be deductible? These include books on the topic of your business, as well as books about business in general. You may even be able to deduct books for any side hustles you may have. Be sure to keep track of the date of purchase, cost of book(s), and purpose of the book(s). Deductions can even go beyond traditional books to include:

  • Technical manuals pertaining to your business.
  • Magazines or journals on the topic of your business.
  • General business books on running a business, management, leadership, investing in your business, marketing, and more.
  • Newspapers and other regular publications specifically for your business.
  • Books related to running your business including legal, labor management, taxes, accounting, etc.
  • Digital publications including e-books, white papers, case studies, etc.

Did you know? Over 18,000 books on business and economics were published just in 2025? This was the second most published topic behind juvenile nonfiction (21,000+) and ahead of religion (16,000+). Source: Publisher’s Weekly

2. Webinars, Seminars, etc.

Your email inbox and even mailbox may be full of invitations to join a webinar, seminar, or some other online learning offering. These are actually deductible as long as they are directly related to your line of work – whether it is one session or a series of sessions. And that brings us to:

3. Conventions, Conferences, Tradeshows

Attending any of these for the purpose of your business is allowed as a business expense. This can include the cost of travel, lodging, meals, cabs/Uber, parking, rental cars, and admission to the shows themselves. You may also deduct the costs associated to have any worker or workers attend. Be sure to keep all receipts and have a bookkeeper help you categorize it all correctly.

4. Ongoing Education

A good example of this is for those who code. Software, tools, programs, and the like all have regular updates conducted. This can be monthly, quarterly, or yearly. Each time the coder may have to learn how to meet the new standards. And the same is true for many businesses. The cost for this education may be deducted, as well as any necessary parking, books, lab fees, and more.

5. Official Education and Accreditation

Many types of work can also be done with or without a certificate, license, or other accreditation. However, this type of worker may choose to obtain one, which will be tax deductible. For example, a plumber’s assistant working under the license of another may apply for their own. The cost of this would be deductible. The same is true for most other types of accreditation associated with your business.

6. Memberships for Business

Finally, you may also deduct the cost for joining a business association. For example, you may deduct the cost of joining the federal, state, or local Chamber of Commerce. This can also include organizations associated with your business. Using the example above, a plumber may join and deduct the cost of a membership of something like the PHCC-TX, Society of Plumbing Engineers, and even specialty ones such as Women in Plumbing and Piping.

Houston Business Expenses for Education You Can Write Off

Do you or your business need help with business expenses for education and other areas and are located in Houston? Feel free to contact our office to get help on deductions, credits, and how to categorize it correctly.