Introduction
Taxes are one of the most overlooked aspects of running a florist business. Many florists leave money on the table by not claiming legitimate deductions, and others face penalties for improper sales tax handling. This guide covers what every wedding florist needs to know.
Common Tax Deductions
Direct Business Expenses
| Deduction | Examples | Annual Savings Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Wholesale flowers | All flower and greenery purchases | Your largest deduction |
| Hard goods | Foam, tape, wire, ribbon, vessels | $1,000-5,000 |
| Delivery supplies | Boxes, tissue, water tubes | $500-2,000 |
Vehicle Expenses
Two methods — choose the one that saves more:
| Method | How It Works | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard mileage | $0.70/mile (2026 rate) | High mileage, low vehicle costs |
| Actual expenses | Gas + insurance + maintenance + depreciation | Expensive vehicle, low mileage |
Track every mile driven for business: deliveries, venue visits, wholesaler runs, consultations.
Home Office Deduction
If you work from home (even partially):
- Simplified method: $5/sq ft, up to 300 sq ft ($1,500 max)
- Regular method: Percentage of home used for business applied to rent/mortgage, utilities, insurance
Studio/Workspace
| Deductible | Examples |
|---|---|
| Rent | Studio space, cooler storage |
| Utilities | Electricity, water, internet |
| Equipment | Coolers, shelving, tables |
| Repairs | Cooler maintenance, plumbing |
Marketing and Software
| Deduction | Examples |
|---|---|
| Website hosting | Domain, hosting, design |
| Software subscriptions | WPro.AI, QuickBooks, Canva |
| Advertising | Instagram ads, The Knot listing, wedding shows |
| Photography | Portfolio shoots, styled shoots |
| Business cards and print | Cards, brochures, signage |
Education and Professional Development
- Floral design workshops and courses
- Industry conferences (AIFD, WF&FSA)
- Books and online courses
- Trade show attendance and travel
Insurance Premiums
All business insurance premiums are deductible:
- General liability
- Commercial auto
- Equipment coverage
- Workers' compensation
Sales Tax
Do You Need to Charge Sales Tax?
In most US states, yes — flowers are tangible goods and subject to sales tax. However:
| Element | Typically Taxable | Typically Not Taxable |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh flowers | Yes | — |
| Hard goods and rentals | Yes | — |
| Delivery fees | Varies by state | Varies by state |
| Design/labor fees | Varies by state | Varies by state |
| Setup fees | Varies by state | Varies by state |
Check your state's specific rules. Some states tax services, others do not.
Resale Certificate
Get a resale certificate from your state. This allows you to buy wholesale flowers and goods without paying sales tax — because you will collect it from the end customer.
Estimated Quarterly Taxes
Self-employed florists must pay estimated taxes quarterly:
| Quarter | Due Date |
|---|---|
| Q1 (Jan-Mar) | April 15 |
| Q2 (Apr-May) | June 15 |
| Q3 (Jun-Aug) | September 15 |
| Q4 (Sep-Dec) | January 15 |
Rule of thumb: Set aside 25-30% of net income for taxes (federal income tax + self-employment tax).
Record-Keeping Essentials
What to Track
| Category | How to Track |
|---|---|
| Income | Invoice every client; track all deposits and payments |
| Wholesale purchases | Save every receipt; categorize by event |
| Mileage | Use a mileage app (MileIQ, Everlance) |
| Receipts | Photograph every receipt; use a receipt scanner |
| Bank statements | Use a separate business bank account |
Separate Business Finances
Open a dedicated business bank account and credit card. Mixing personal and business finances makes tax preparation expensive and increases audit risk.
When to Hire an Accountant
| Situation | DIY or Accountant? |
|---|---|
| Side hustle, under $20K revenue | DIY with TurboTax |
| Full-time, $20K-$100K revenue | Accountant for annual filing, DIY bookkeeping |
| $100K+ revenue or employees | Full-service accountant year-round |
A good accountant costs $500-2,000/year but typically saves you more than their fee in missed deductions and tax strategy.
Conclusion
Proper tax management puts money back in your pocket. Track everything, claim every legitimate deduction, pay estimated taxes on time, and hire help when your business outgrows DIY.
Related: How to Start a Wedding Florist Business | Insurance for Wedding Florists | Wedding Florist Software
