Can I deduct Amazon office supplies bought before launch?

Generally, yes—if you bought office supplies on Amazon before your business began operating, those costs may be treated as startup costs for U.S. tax purposes rather than regular current business expenses.

A few important points:

• Startup cost treatment: Pre-launch costs that are ordinary and necessary for creating an active trade or business can often fall under IRC Section 195.
• Supplies vs. other items: The tax treatment depends on what you bought. True office supplies may be treated differently from equipment, inventory, or other capital items.
• Business use only: The purchases must be for business purposes, not personal use.
• If the business never launches: Deductibility can be limited or unavailable depending on the facts, so pre-opening expenses should not be assumed deductible if the business never starts.

Because the exact tax treatment can depend on the item, the timing of when the business actually starts, and your overall facts, it’s best to keep the Amazon invoices/order confirmations and confirm the treatment with a CPA or tax professional before filing.