22 Tax Write-Offs for Independent Childcare Providers
NAICS business codeYour NAICS business code is a six-digit string of numbers that shows the type of work your business does. NAICS stands for North American Industry Classification System. When you do your taxes, you'll enter it in Box B of your Schedule C.624410
Reviewed bya tax professionalThis content has been reviewed by an Enrolled Agent (EA) with the IRS — the highest credential awarded by the agency. Enrolled Agents are empowered to represent all taxpayers before the IRS, on all types of tax-related matters. Accountants who earn this certification have passed a comprehensive three-part exam on individual and business tax returns. To maintain EA status, they must stay up to date in the field by completing 72 hours of continuing education every three years.Childcare is one of the most rewarding professions there is, but let’s face it: it’s also exhausting. By the end of a long day, the last thing you want to worry about is your taxes. But like spit-up, paying them is an inevitable reality.
That’s why here at Keeper, we’ve gathered the best tax write-offs for independent childcare providers, so you can lower your tax bills and your stress levels at the same time. With these write-offs, you’ll be able to watch your savings grow up before your eyes!
You can write off any toys you buy for the children you're caring for to play with.
Craft supplies for art activities to keep children entertained can be fully deducted.
All of the books you purchase to read to the kids are considered write-offs.
First aid training and certification costs, like for CPR, can be deducted on your taxes.
Go ahead and write off any additional expenses you won't be reimbursed for.
Print and online advertising costs for your business are considered write-offs.
If you drive for work ...
Many things you use to do your job can be written off your taxes. That includes your car — if you use it for work.
For example, if you have to drive children in your care around town, or if you drive to pick up supplies, make house visits, or attend safety training, you can write off car expenses.
Parking for a meeting downtown, or any other work trip, is tax-deductible!
A toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible!
If you buy a new car, you can write off part of the cost every year for five years.
Flashlights, tire iron, duct tape, and other tools you may need in your vehicle are deductible.
Car insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible.
Oil changes, repairs, and regular checkups are all tax-deductible if you drive for work.
If you discuss work at a restaurant ...
If you schedule a business meal with a parent or fellow caretaker to talk about your services, you can write off the cost of the food or drinks.
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!
If you leave town for work ...
Expenses you incur while traveling for work — such as providing child care services to a family on vacation — can be written off as a business expense.
Planes, trains, and car rentals are all work-related travel costs that can be written off.
When you travel for work, lodging expenses such as hotel rooms or Airbnb are write-offs.
When you're traveling for work, all meals are tax-deductible. Even takeout!
If you work from home ...
Plenty of childcare providers use their homes as daycare facilities. Expenses like rent or utilities are needed to do their job and can be deducted from their taxes.
This also counts when you're taking care of additional work-related responsibilities from home, like marketing and advertising, researching new childcare activities, or keeping in touch with clients.
A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs.
You can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property.
Gotta keep the lights on in your home office! A portion of your electricity bill counts.
Whether it's rental or homeowners insurance, you can write off a portion through your home office deduction.
It'd be hard to work in an office without running water, huh? Your water bill counts.
Your Comcast bill is a tax write-off. You need internet to do your job!
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