22 Tax Write-Offs for Independent Cleaners and Housekeepers
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.561720
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.As a housekeeper, you’re used to keeping things spick and span — but do you apply that same attention to detail to your taxes? What if we told you that you can lower your tax bill just by claiming the everyday sort of business expenses you already pay for?
That’s right: with just the tiniest bit of elbow grease, you can write off everything from cleaning products to new business cards and beyond. Time to make your tax return sparkle!
Write off everything you use to clean, including sprays, rags, soap, and more.
Cleaning equipment like vacuums, carpet cleaners, and steamers can be written off.
Business cards, brochures, service menus, and flyers promoting your business are deductible.
Squarespace, Wix, GoDaddy, and other website service fees are fully tax-deductible.
Print and online advertising costs for your business are considered write-offs.
Part of your actual phone's cost, monthly phone bill, and any accessories you use for work can be written off.
If you drive for work ...
You can write off car expenses if you need to drive for work. For instance, a cleaner or housekeeper might need to drive to and from clients' homes or to pick up cleaning supplies.
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 visit a restaurant to talk about your business or to establish a relationship with a potential client, it's considered a business meal and can be claimed on your taxes. This also includes grabbing food or drink with accountants, vendors, mentors, and fellow cleaners or housekeepers.
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 book transportation or accommodations to attend a work-related event such as an industry conference, feel free to write off your travel expenses.
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 ...
Scheduling appointments, working on attention-grabbing ways to market your services, and working on client development are all tasks a cleaner or housekeeper might do from home. Because these are all essential to your business and you work on them from home, you can write off a portion of home office expenses.
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!
You may also enjoy learning about ...
Advertising Expenses and How To Claim Them
Advertising is a great way to attract new customers and keep old ones, and it’s also 100% tax deductible. Find out creative ways to increase your advertising write-off.
By Sarah York, EA
How To Deduct Your Cell Phone Bill on Your Taxes
Is My Internet Bill Tax-Deductible in 2026?
Receipts for Taxes: What Do You Need to Keep?
The Last Schedule C Guide You'll Ever Need
How To File Your Self-Employment Taxes in 7 Easy Steps
Track and claim every eligible deduction with Keeper
Keeper scans your accounts for write-offs and files your return — with tax pros reviewing every one.
Try it free