Unforeseen Small Business Expenses That Will Catch You Off Guard

Running a small business is fun, but it’s easy to miss some expenses when budgeting. These hidden or forgotten costs will sneak up on you and blow your budget. Let’s look at some common small business expenses and how to plan for them.

1. Taxes and Fees

Taxes are more than just income tax. Business owners forget quarterly tax payments, self-employment tax or local business fees. Depending on your industry and location you may also have licensing renewals or franchise taxes. Keeping a calendar of payment due dates and working with a tax pro can help you stay on top of it.

2. Vehicle Maintenance and Travel Expenses

For businesses that use vehicles, maintenance is an ongoing expense that’s often overlooked. Beyond regular oil changes you may have unexpected repairs, tire replacements and higher insurance premiums. Even non-vehicle travel can add up—parking fees, mileage reimbursements and tolls are easy to miss but will add up over time.

3. Employee Related Expenses

Hiring employees is more than just wages. Payroll taxes, workers comp insurance and benefits like health care and retirement plans can add up fast. Even onboarding supplies and training materials are easy to forget when budgeting.

4. Technology Upgrades and Subscriptions

In today’s tech world businesses use software subscriptions and hardware updates. Tools you use daily—like accounting software, CRM platforms or cloud storage—add up. Don’t forget to budget for occasional upgrades to computers, phones or network equipment which can be expensive but necessary.

5. Office Supplies and Utilities

The little things add up! Office supplies, cleaning services and fluctuating utility costs are easy to overlook. Seasonal changes can cause utility spikes especially heating or cooling costs. Even restocking items like paper, pens and snacks for employees should be part of your budget.

Be Prepared

The secret to managing the unexpected is to have a solid budget with a buffer for the surprises. Review your expenses regularly, set aside an emergency fund and work with financial pros to stay ahead.

It’s not just about the big stuff—it’s about the little stuff too. A strong business is one that’s ready for anything!