Jonathane Ricci: Maximizing Deductions Amid Rising Business Costs

As the cost of doing business continues to rise, entrepreneurs and service providers are grappling with new challenges: higher shipping fees, added service charges, and unexpected delays—much of it outside their direct control.

But according to Jonathane Ricci, founder of JR Wealth Management and a specialist in taxation and legacy planning, this isn't a time for panic—it's a time to get proactive.

"Anything delivered through a courier service these days comes with added costs—delivery charges, handling fees, you name it," Ricci explains. "I just paid nearly $70 for a shipment that would've been free not long ago."

For businesses managing logistics, client services, or just daily operations, the added financial friction is real—but Ricci's advice is to reframe the problem: turn rising expenses into potential tax-saving opportunities.

Photo: Jonathane Ricci

Reframe Rising Costs as Business Opportunities

What may feel like a personal or operational hit could actually be a deductible business expense—if properly identified and documented.

"People need to revisit their expenses and ask: is there a business or commercial angle here?" Ricci says. "If you’re paying more for something that’s tied to your business activity, that could be a legitimate deduction. Every little bit helps."

He encourages entrepreneurs to reevaluate routine purchases and explore how they might align with business use. Think: mobile phones, meals, workspace costs, internet—and yes, even courier and shipping fees.

"Everyone has a phone bill. Everyone eats out. The question is—can part of that be justified as business-related? If so, that's real money saved at tax time."

Everyday Items That Might Be Deductible

Ricci compares the current environment to the shift toward remote work, where home-office deductions allowed professionals to claim a portion of rent, internet, or utilities. Similar logic can apply to:

• Transportation and fuel
• Client meals and meetings
• Software subscriptions and digital tools
• Courier services and delivery fees
• Business use of personal devices

"There's a surprising number of expenses that—when documented properly and tied to a business function—can help reduce taxable income," Ricci says.

Strategy Over Snap Decisions

For business owners feeling the squeeze, Ricci advocates for a thoughtful, long-term view.

"It's not the time to make sudden changes or exit operational channels due to temporary cost spikes," he says. "A stronger tax strategy can help offset the pressure while maintaining business continuity."

Instead of making abrupt financial pivots, he advises business owners to focus on tightening up their expense tracking. That includes keeping digital records of mileage, meals, tools, and anything else that supports revenue-generating activity.

His firm offers audits of spending patterns and personalized tax plans designed to align with current regulations.

Resilience Through Smarter Planning

With many entrepreneurs facing tighter margins and elevated overhead, Ricci says the smartest move isn't retreat—it's better documentation and intentional spending.

"We're in a moment where people are feeling bruised by costs they didn't anticipate," he says. "But this isn't about scaling back—it's about adjusting your strategy."

Whether it's identifying more deductions, improving documentation, or reviewing how operational expenses are categorized, Ricci believes even small changes can yield meaningful results.

"Every dollar matters," he says. "The key is being intentional with how you spend—and how you record it."

Featured image credit: Jonathane Ricci

This post was authored by an external contributor and does not represent Benzinga's opinions and has not been edited for content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice.