Running a webshop comes with all sorts of expenses: a fresh Shopify theme, shipping costs, ads on Meta or Google, and that one returned item that never makes it back. But do you actually know which of these costs you can deduct from your taxes?
Many e-commerce entrepreneurs miss out on savings simply because they don’t know what’s tax-deductible. A shame, really — because every euro you deduct smartly from your profit means less tax to pay. Time to clear things up. In this blog, we list all deductible expenses for online store owners — with examples, tips, and a handy checklist.
What are deductible expenses?
Deductible expenses are business-related costs that you’re allowed to report in your bookkeeping to reduce your profit — and thus your taxes. In short: lower profit = lower taxes.
According to the Dutch Tax Authority, expenses must:
Be business-related
Be backed up by proof (receipts!)
Be reasonable and not personal
The ultimate list: the most common deductible expenses
1. Software & tools
Everything you need to run your webshop:
Subscriptions for Shopify, WooCommerce plugins, Lightspeed, etc.
Payment providers like Mollie or Stripe
Accounting software (or a tool like Staxcloud)
Tip: If you use a tool for both business and personal purposes (e.g. your laptop), only deduct the business portion.
2. Inventory and purchasing
Products you sell count as business expenses:
Purchase price of goods
Packaging materials (boxes, tape, fillers)
Shipping label printers
Note: Inventory counts as an asset — so anything not sold yet stays on your balance sheet and isn’t immediately deductible.
3. Shipping and returns
These are part of your daily e-commerce costs:
Carrier invoices (PostNL, DHL, UPS, etc.)
Return shipping costs that you reimburse
Insurance on packages
Tip: Track returns separately in your bookkeeping — they affect your margins and cash flow.
4. Marketing & advertising
No visibility = no sales. Luckily, marketing costs are deductible:
Google Ads and Meta Ads (Facebook, Instagram)
Freelancers or agencies for marketing support
Influencer collaborations
Also think of tools like Klaviyo, Hootsuite or Canva.
5. Website & content
Everything that boosts your webshop’s experience:
Website design and development
Paid themes or templates
Product photography or videos
Note: Major expenses like a custom-built site may be seen as investments. You’ll need to depreciate these over time.
6. Equipment & office supplies
Examples include:
Laptop, shipping label printer, phone
Desk, chair, lighting (if you work from home)
Notebooks, pens, paper
Working from home? You might be able to deduct a portion of your internet or energy costs. Ask your bookkeeper.
7. International sales expenses
Selling on platforms like Bol.com, Amazon or Etsy? Expect these extra costs:
Platform fees and commissions
VAT registration costs abroad
Reporting requirements (e.g. OSS filings)
Pro tip: Use a tool (or service) that links your sales to the correct VAT returns automatically. Saves time and reduces errors.
8. Education & training
Investing in your skills? These are deductible too:
E-commerce courses or workshops
Masterclasses on ads or CRO
Memberships for business networks
9. Bookkeeping & admin
Anything that keeps your finances in check:
Costs for an accountant or bookkeeper
Time spent by a VAT specialist (OSS or EPR)
Tools for invoicing and record-keeping
And yes — reading this blog is an investment in your financial knowledge. Just not a deductible one.
What can’t you deduct?
Some things are off-limits, even if they feel business-related:
Clothing (unless it’s branded or a uniform)
Fines or late fees
Personal expenses, even if they’re helpful for work
Uncertain? Check with your bookkeeper or the Dutch Tax Authority. Better safe than sorry.
Handy printable checklist
Deductible expenses checklist for online sellers:
Webshop platform & tools
Payment providers
Product inventory
Packaging supplies
Shipping costs
Return costs
Ads & marketing
Website & content creation
Equipment & workspace
International sales costs
Courses & training
Accounting & software
Print this out and keep it near your workspace — it’ll come in handy during your monthly bookkeeping.
Conclusion: smart bookkeeping saves money
As an online seller, you’re busy with sourcing, selling, and shipping — but your bookkeeping can be a major money-saver. By deducting the right expenses, you reduce your profit and pay less tax. It’s not rocket science, but it does require attention.
Don’t want to figure this all out on your own? At Staxxer, we understand e-commerce — from Shopify to Bol.com, from VAT to annual accounts. And we’ll make sure your bookkeeping is on point, so you never pay more than you should.
