<title>Learn about deducting repairs and maintenance costs</title>
<category>biz</category>
<klink type="cncpt">Tell me about deducting repairs and maintenance costs</klink>
</index>
<content>
<p>You can generally deduct the cost of labor, materials, and supplies to repair and maintain business property. However, improvements that increase the property's value or life must be capitalized and depreciated over a period of years. Do not take a deduction for your own labor. For more information, see IRS Publication 535, Business Expenses, on the <alink type="xtnl" href="http://www.irs.gov">IRS Web site</alink>.</p>