Can I Write Off a Website as a Business Expense in California?

hi!! this is for the small and medium sized business owners to help people like my parents. website as a business expense?

2 min read

You're Paying Out of Pocket for Something That Should Be Helping You

If you're running a small business in California, you've probably heard, "You need a website."
But then the questions start creeping in:

Isn't that just a nice extra?
Do I really need one?
Can I even afford that right now?

What most people don’t realize is this:
A website isn’t just a business expense — it’s a tool. And tools can be written off.

That means the money you spend building or updating your site might come right back to you during tax season.
Yet most folks never even bring it up to their tax person.

💡 Your Website Can Work for You — And Be a Write-Off

The IRS doesn’t care if you understand web design.
They care about this:

Was it necessary for your business?
Did it help you earn money?
Can you prove you paid for it?

If the answer is yes to all three, then it qualifies as a business write-off.

You're not throwing money into a website.
You're putting it into something that:

Gets you more customers
Lowers your taxable income
Runs 24/7 even when you're asleep or working

Example:
You pay $3,000 for a decent business website.
Let’s say you save $1,000 in taxes.
Then that website helps bring in 3–5 new clients.

You’ve already made your money back — and the site is still working.

🛠️ Here's What You Can Write Off (And How to Do It Right)

This is where most business owners leave money on the table.
Here’s what counts:

1. Website Design & Development

This includes:

Setting up the layout
Making sure it works on phones
Connecting it to your contact form or booking system

If it’s your first-ever site, it might be filed as a long-term asset (called a capital expense).
But if it’s a redesign, update, or improvement — it’s usually fully deductible that same year.

2. Hosting & Domain Fees

This includes:

Yearly domain name (like yourbusiness.com)
Monthly hosting service
Any backend tools to keep your site running

These are basic operating costs.
Just keep a record of your receipts and subscriptions.

3. SEO & Marketing Services

This includes:

Getting found on Google
Blog content, keywords, and Google Maps setup
Local listing updates
Monthly SEO maintenance

If it helps your business grow, it usually qualifies as a write-off.

4. Photos, Videos, and Content Creation

This includes:

Professional photos of your work
Videos for your site or homepage
Copywriting for landing pages or service descriptions

If it ends up on your website and helps you get clients — it counts.

🧾 What to Show Your CPA

At tax time, don't just hand your accountant a line that says “website.”
Here's an example of what it may look like:

Simple breakdown. Clear use. Easier deduction.

Final Thought

You already invest your time, energy, and tools into your craft.
Don’t forget the tools that bring clients to your door — especially the ones the IRS helps you pay for.

A solid website doesn’t just look good. It works hard, saves you time, and saves you money.

Ready to See What’s Possible?

If you’re in Chino Hills, Diamond Bar, OC, or the Inland Empire — and you need someone to actually walk you through this without making it complicated…

Let’s talk. No pitch, no pressure.

Just straight answers and a site that makes sense for you.