22 Tax Write-Offs for Self-Employed Welders

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When it's time to file your self-employment taxes and you're faced with your tax bill, you might wish that you could fuse each dollar you earn to your bank account. Luckily, you can significantly reduce the amount you owe by deducting your business expenses on your Schedule C.

This list includes most work-related expenses, like equipment, union dues, protective gear, and lots more! Keep scrolling for the full list of write-offs welders should claim when they file their taxes.

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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.

Protective gear
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

Write off the protective gear, like goggles and gloves, you wear while performing electrical work.

🎓
Continuing education classes
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Continuing education class required to keep your job are fully deductible.

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Union dues
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

If you belong to a union, go ahead and write off your dues.

☂️
Liability insurance
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 15

Protecting yourself and your business with liability insurance? It's a write-off.

🗜️
Welding tools & equipment
Write it off using:

Blowtorches, spool guns, and other welding tools are tax-deductible for you.

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If you drive for work ...

Picking up welding supplies, meeting clients, or traveling between job sites? Go ahead and write off your car expenses.

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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 ...

The cost of dining with a mentor, client, or fellow welder can be written off your taxes as long as your conversations are about work.

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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 ...

As long as they're "ordinary" and "necessary" — meaning, typical of your industry and helpful for doing your job — travel expenses can be written off. You just have to be traveling for a work-related purpose, like attending a welding conference or working an out-of-town job.

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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.

🏨
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.

🥡
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 ...

If regularly attend online welding courses, conduct industry research, or communicate with clients from your at-home workspace, don't forget to claim your home office deductions.

🛋️
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!