Can you write off eBay shipping supplies for a small resale business?

Yes—shipping supplies for a small eBay resale business are generally deductible business expenses if they’re used for business purposes and you keep good records.

For a U.S. sole proprietor, these costs are often reported as ordinary business expenses on Schedule C, but the exact line can depend on how you keep your books and how the expenses are categorized. Some packaging costs may instead be included in cost of goods sold. Common deductible items include boxes, mailers, tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, shipping labels, and printer ink used for labels.

A few practical points:

• Deduct only the business-use portion if the items are used partly for personal shipping.
• Keep receipts, invoices, or other digital records for everything you buy.
• Larger equipment like a label printer or scale may be treated differently from consumable supplies and could need to be expensed or depreciated depending on the facts.

Because tax treatment can vary by location, business structure, and filing year, it’s smart to confirm the exact reporting line with a tax professional or the current IRS instructions.