Put It on the Company Credit Card 💳

  Put it on the company card 💳

I hear this phrase thrown around way too loosely.

Business owners, employees, people who should know better.

"Just put it on the company card."

Let's slow down for a second.

It's Not Always a Tax Deduction 💳

Yes, a business expense can be a tax deduction, but you don't get a dollar for dollar write off on everything you run through the business. It has to be a legitimate business expense to actually qualify.

And even then the math isn't what people think. A deduction reduces your taxable income, it doesn't erase the cost. You're still spending real money.

Can the Business Actually Afford It?

Nobody stops to ask this one.

At the end of the day it doesn't matter if something technically qualifies as a business expense if the business can't afford it right now. The goal of a business is to make money and give the owner the lifestyle they want, along with everyone who works there.

When people get sloppy with expenses, everyone's income is at risk, and everyone the business serves is at risk of losing that service too. It's not really a personal problem when that happens. It becomes everyone's problem.

Ask This Before You Swipe 📍

Next time you're about to throw down the business card, pause. Is this legit? Can the business actually afford it right now? Does it line up with where I'm trying to take this thing?

Ten seconds of thinking could save you a lot of pain later.

Adrian's Takeaway 👉
Just because you can put it on the business card doesn't mean you should. Spend with intention or pay the price later.