Things Small Business Owners Can Be Thankful For (Yes, Even in Tax Season)

Running a small business isn’t for the faint of heart. You’re the CEO, the customer service team, the janitor, and sometimes the IT department all rolled into one. And then there are taxes, those mysterious, ever-changing rules that can make even the bravest entrepreneur want to hide under the Thanksgiving table.

But with Thanksgiving here, it’s worth pressing pause on the hustle and looking at the bright side. Believe it or not, the world of small business and taxes isn’t all stress and late-night record-keeping. In fact, there are quite a few things worth being thankful for. Some are practical, some are funny, and some are just gentle reminders that you’re probably doing better than you think.

So before you dig into the mashed potatoes, here’s a gratitude list tailored just for business owners like you.

1. Deductions (a.k.a. Legal Adulting Hacks)

If taxes feel like an uninvited dinner guest, deductions are the sweet potato casserole of the table—comforting and surprisingly satisfying. From laptops to client lunches, deductions are the tax code’s way of saying, “Hey, we see how hard you’re working—here’s a little break.”

Yes, it means saving receipts. Yes, it means sometimes explaining why your “networking coffee” really was business-related. But the reward? Paying less to Uncle Sam and keeping more of your hard-earned money.

And deductions aren’t just the obvious big-ticket items. There are everyday things that can add up fast, like mileage when you’re zipping around town for client meetings, that home office you’ve carefully set up, or even the subscription you’re using to keep your books in order.

In short, deductions are the tax system’s way of acknowledging that running a business costs money—and that you deserve a little relief in

2. Retirement Plans (Future You Will Send a Thank You Card)

It can feel strange to put money into a retirement account when your business constantly demands cash. After all, you might be thinking, “Shouldn’t I invest in marketing or inventory instead?” But retirement contributions aren’t just an expense; they’re an investment in yourself.

Think of it as leaving a note of thanks to your future self. One day, future-you might be sitting on a beach on a Tuesday afternoon, sipping a margarita, and reflecting on how smart you were to stash money away back in 2024. That drink? Paid for by your planning today.

Plus, retirement plans come with tax benefits. Contributions often reduce your taxable income now, which is a win-win. You save for later while paying less today. Whether it’s a SEP IRA, a Solo 401(k), or something more customized for you and your employees, there’s an option that fits.

So yes, future-you is already writing that thank you card.

3. The Magic of Payroll Services

If you’ve ever tried to run payroll by hand, you know it’s a nightmare. Withholding taxes, tracking hours, paying on time, filing forms, it’s like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded.

This is why payroll services are the unsung heroes of small business life. They don’t get a lot of applause, but they quietly save you from IRS penalties, frustrated employees, and that pit in your stomach that comes with wondering, “Did I file that form on time?”

And let’s be honest: your employees probably prefer direct deposit to the handwritten checks that sometimes got “lost” in the shuffle. With modern payroll systems, you can run payroll from your phone while standing in line for a pumpkin spice latte. That’s something worth being thankful for.

4. Business Meals (Pass the Mashed Potatoes)

Remember when meals with clients and colleagues felt indulgent? The tax code says otherwise. Business meals are deductible (at least in part), which makes that latte-fueled brainstorming session or dinner meeting feel just a little more justifiable.

Think about it: some of your best ideas probably didn’t come while staring at spreadsheets—they came over coffee, lunch, or a happy hour with a colleague. And while you can’t expense your Thanksgiving dinner with in-laws (no matter how many “business strategies” your uncle pitches between the turkey and pumpkin pie), you can be grateful that many of the meals fueling your ideas are helping your bottom line.

So go ahead—schedule that client coffee meeting. Just don’t forget to keep the receipt.

5. Technology That Saves Your Sanity

Let’s all take a moment to be thankful we’re not running businesses in 1995. Fax machines, paper ledgers, mailing checks? No thank you.

Today, you can:

• Run payroll from your smartphone.
• Sign contracts electronically in seconds.
• Store receipts in the cloud instead of shoeboxes.
• Send invoices and get paid while still wearing pajamas.

Technology has leveled the playing field for small businesses. Tools that used to be available only to big corporations are now affordable and accessible to entrepreneurs everywhere. And yes, sometimes technology glitches, but let’s be real, you’d rather reset your Wi-Fi than wrestle with a jammed fax machine.

6. The “Oops” Cushion

Every business owner has had an “oops” moment. Maybe you filed something late, forgot to log an expense, or swore that Target run was 10% business-related because you also bought printer paper. Mistakes happen.

The good news? Most mistakes can be fixed. Extensions exist, amended returns exist, and forgiveness programs exist. The IRS might not send you a hug, but in most cases, there’s a way forward that doesn’t end in disaster.

This “oops” cushion is worth gratitude because it means you don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be proactive about fixing mistakes and, ideally, learn from them. Every misstep is a chance to tighten your processes and avoid repeating it next year.

7. Professionals Who Speak “IRS” So You Don’t Have To

Here’s the truth: you didn’t start your business because you love tax law. (If you did, you’re a rare breed.) Most entrepreneurs get into business because they love what they do, whether it’s baking cupcakes, designing websites, or building homes.

That’s why professionals who speak “IRS” are worth being thankful for. They’re translators who take IRS-ese and turn it into plain English. They’re coaches who help you see opportunities to save money and avoid mistakes. And they’re advocates who stand by your side when questions or audits come up.

Having someone in your corner who gets the rules and knows how to apply them to your situation isn’t just helpful, it’s a sanity-saver.

A Final Note of Thanks

Thanksgiving is about gratitude, and as a small business owner, you have plenty of reasons to give thanks. Yes, the road is bumpy. Yes, taxes are complicated. But you’re out there creating something from nothing, building jobs, serving customers, and chasing your dream. That’s not just a reason to be thankful, it’s something to be proud of.

This year, when you raise a glass or a forkful of pie, take a moment to appreciate:

• The deductions that lower your tax bill.
• The retirement plans that set you up for the future.
• The payroll services and tech tools that make life easier.
• The meals that double as brainstorming sessions.
• The grace of do-overs.
• And the pros who handle the tax jargon so you can keep building your vision.

Small business life isn’t easy, but it is worth it. And sometimes, in between the spreadsheets and receipts, there’s a lot to be thankful for even in tax season. Most importantly, we are thankful for YOU our clients.

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