22 Tax Write-Offs for Independent Cleaners and Housekeepers

NAICS business code: 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!

Cleaning supplies

Write off everything you use to clean, including sprays, rags, soap, and more.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 22

Cleaning equipment

Cleaning equipment like vacuums, carpet cleaners, and steamers can be written off.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 22

Marketing materials

Business cards, brochures, service menus, and flyers promoting your business are deductible.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 8

Website & hosting fees

Squarespace, Wix, GoDaddy, and other website service fees are fully tax-deductible.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 8

Advertising

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

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 8

Phone & accessories

Part of your actual phone's cost, monthly phone bill, and any accessories you use for work can be written off.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 27b

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

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

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 9

Tolls

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

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 9

Car purchase & depreciation

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

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 13

Vehicle tool kit

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

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 22

Car insurance & registration

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

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 9

Car maintenance

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

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 9

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.

Business meals

If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off! Keep in mind business meals are only 50% deductible.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 24b

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.

Transportation

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

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 24a

Travel lodging

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

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 24a

Meals while traveling

When you're traveling for work, your meals are a write-off, even takeout. Like all business meals, they're 50% deductible, whether you eat on the road or close to home.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 24b

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.

Home office furniture

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

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 18

Property repairs

A repair only to your home office is deductible in full. A repair to the whole home is an indirect expense, so you deduct it in proportion to your home office percentage on Form 8829.

Where to write it off: Form 8829

Power bill

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

Where to write it off: Form 8829

Property insurance

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

Where to write it off: Form 8829

Water bill

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

Where to write it off: Form 8829

Wi-Fi bill

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