25 Tax Write-Offs for Machinists

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Machinists know that, in order for something to work properly, all the different parts need to be operating in harmony. The same is true when it comes to filing your taxes. But one often overlooked component for independent machinists is write-offs.

Too often, these valuable parts get left out, jamming up the whole system and resulting in an overflow of extra money going to the IRS. Luckily, we’ve put together a full blueprint of all the best write-offs you’re entitled to as a machinist. All that’s left is to assemble your savings!

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Machinery & tools
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 13

Heavy machinery and small tools used to complete projects are considered tax write-offs.

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Equipment depreciation
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 13

Each year you can deduct the depreciation on equipment like your cameras and lenses.

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Equipment repairs
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 21

Any maintenance or repairs needed for your equipment to operate are fully deductible

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Uniforms
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Any uniforms you're required to wear on the job are considered tax-deductible.

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Licensing fees
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 23

Fees to get or renew your license to perform your work are fully deductible.

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Trade school tuition
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

If you take courses to learn new skills as a contractor, you can write off what you pay.

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Advertising
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 8

Print and online advertising costs for your business are considered write-offs.

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Accountant fees
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 17

Do you pay a professional to audit your financial records and take care of your tax planning? Their fees are a write-off.

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Contract labor
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 11

Write off the fees you pay to contract labor to help you complete projects.

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If you drive for work ...

If you drive for your work as a machinist, like to visit a job site, attend a course, or pick up tools, you can write off a portion of vehicle-related expenses on your taxes.

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Parking
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Parking for a meeting downtown, or any other work trip, is tax-deductible!

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Tolls
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

A toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible!

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Car purchase & depreciation
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 13

If you buy a new car, you can write off part of the cost every year for five years.

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Vehicle tool kit
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

Flashlights, tire iron, duct tape, and other tools you may need in your vehicle are deductible.

☂️
Car insurance & registration
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 15

Car insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible.

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Car maintenance
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 9

Oil changes, repairs, and regular checkups are all tax-deductible if you drive for work.

If you discuss work at a restaurant ...

According to the IRS, grabbing dinner with fellow machinists or construction workers to discuss a project you're working on counts as a business expense. So you can write off the cost of your meal!

🍔
Business meals
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24b

If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!

If you leave town for work ...

If you fly, drive, or train to attend an out-of-town job site or manufacturing conference, feel free to write off your travel expenses.

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Transportation
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24a

Planes, trains, and car rentals are all work-related travel costs that can be written off.

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Travel lodging
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24a

When you travel for work, lodging expenses such as hotel rooms or Airbnb are write offs.

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Meals while traveling
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24a

When you're traveling for work, all meals are tax-deductible. Even takeout!

If you work from home ...

As a machinist, much of your work likely takes place at various job sites. However, if you take care of administrative tasks from a designated desk or workspace at home, such as doing industry research or client development, you can write off a portion of your home office expenses.

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Home office furniture
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs.

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Property repairs
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 21

You can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property.

🔌
Power bill
Write it off using:

Form 8829

Gotta keep the lights on in your home office! A portion of your electricity bill counts.

🌪️
Property insurance
Write it off using:

Form 8829

Whether it's rental or homeowners insurance, you can write off a portion through your home office deduction.

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Water bill
Write it off using:

Form 8829

It'd be hard to work in an office without running water, huh? You water bill counts.

🌐
Wi-Fi bill
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 25

Your Comcast bill is a tax write-off. You need internet to do your job!