Every W-2 employee should own a vending machine because… The IRS...
Mike Hoffmann@MikeHoffmann
14 views
Feb 19, 2026
~2 min read
Advertisement
1
Every W-2 employee should own a vending machine because…
The IRS wants you to.
Here are 7 expenses that can legally reduce your taxes when you own a vending machine:
The IRS wants you to.
Here are 7 expenses that can legally reduce your taxes when you own a vending machine:
2
1. Machine Depreciation
I use Section 179 to depreciate 100% of the value of a machine in Year 1.
This means if I finance a machine for 10% down ($600) I can write-off $6,000.
I can also write off the $200/mo payments that come from financing the machine.
I use Section 179 to depreciate 100% of the value of a machine in Year 1.
This means if I finance a machine for 10% down ($600) I can write-off $6,000.
I can also write off the $200/mo payments that come from financing the machine.
3
2. Vehicle
Every time you restock or service your machines, you're using your vehicle for business.
You can deduct either:
The standard mileage rate (67¢ per mile in 2025), or the actual vehicle expenses (gas, maintenance, insurance, and depreciation).
Even if you use your personal car, you can track business miles and write that portion off.
Every time you restock or service your machines, you're using your vehicle for business.
You can deduct either:
The standard mileage rate (67¢ per mile in 2025), or the actual vehicle expenses (gas, maintenance, insurance, and depreciation).
Even if you use your personal car, you can track business miles and write that portion off.
4
3. Home Office
If you manage your vending business from home, you can deduct part of your home expenses.
That includes your rent or mortgage interest, utilities, and internet, proportional to the square footage used for your business.
The IRS also offers a simplified option that's $5 per square foot, up to 300 sq. ft.
If you manage your vending business from home, you can deduct part of your home expenses.
That includes your rent or mortgage interest, utilities, and internet, proportional to the square footage used for your business.
The IRS also offers a simplified option that's $5 per square foot, up to 300 sq. ft.
5
4. Cell Phone
That phone you use to check sales, contact vendors, or locate new spots?
You can deduct the portion of your bill used for business.
If you have a dedicated phone line for the business, the entire cost is deductible.
That phone you use to check sales, contact vendors, or locate new spots?
You can deduct the portion of your bill used for business.
If you have a dedicated phone line for the business, the entire cost is deductible.
6
5. Internet
If you monitor machine status online or communicate with location owners via email, your internet counts as a business expense too.
Deduct the percentage used for business, or 100% if it's dedicated solely to the vending side.
If you monitor machine status online or communicate with location owners via email, your internet counts as a business expense too.
Deduct the percentage used for business, or 100% if it's dedicated solely to the vending side.
7
6. Business Clothes
You can't write off streetwear, but you can deduct clothing branded with your business name or required for your job.
Think company-branded polos, safety vests, or work uniforms you wear while servicing machines.
You can't write off streetwear, but you can deduct clothing branded with your business name or required for your job.
Think company-branded polos, safety vests, or work uniforms you wear while servicing machines.
8
7. Business Meals
Networking lunches, scouting new locations, or meeting a property manager?
You can usually deduct 50% of the cost of those meals when they serve a legitimate business purpose.
Keep receipts and note whom you met with and why… the IRS loves documentation.
Networking lunches, scouting new locations, or meeting a property manager?
You can usually deduct 50% of the cost of those meals when they serve a legitimate business purpose.
Keep receipts and note whom you met with and why… the IRS loves documentation.
9
Disclaimer: This is not financial or tax advice. Always consult a CPA or tax professional before making any tax-related decisions.
If you're ready to learn how to start your own vending business...
DM me "Vending" and I'll show you how.
If you're ready to learn how to start your own vending business...
DM me "Vending" and I'll show you how.
10
If you want to learn exactly how you can purchase your first vending machine with little money down...
DM me "Vending"
I'll take you through my step-by-step strategy to help you buy & place your first machine.
DM me "Vending"
I'll take you through my step-by-step strategy to help you buy & place your first machine.