24 Tax Write-Offs for Dog Walkers
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.812910
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.Let’s face it, getting to hang out with dogs all day is pretty much a dream job. The only thing that could make it better? Being able to save money at tax time because you hang out with dogs all day! So sit and stay for a moment, because there’s a ton of expenses you can write off on your taxes just by being a dog walker.
From poo bags to treats to new leashes, the purchases you make for your furry friends can also work for you. If that doesn’t make your tag wag with excitement, we don’t know what will!
Treats you buy to give to the dogs you walk are write-offs.
Don't leave a dog's mess for someone else to find! You can write off these plastic bags.
It's miserable to walk dogs in the rain without the proper gear. But you can write it off!
If you use a bike to get to your client, you can write off the associated expenses.
Additional leashes or harnesses for the dogs you walk are all tax-deductible.
If you use your phone for work (who doesn't?), then a part of your phone bill is tax-deductible.
Write off what you spend on buses, subways, or trains you take to meet clients.
Any toys you buy to play with the dogs you walk, like tennis balls, can be written off.
If you drive for work ...
If you drive around town picking up your clients' pups for walks or trips to the dog park, you can write off your 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 ...
A restaurant expense can be written off if the reason you're there is to chat about work, perhaps with a client or fellow dog walker.
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 have to venture out of town for industry conferences, networking events, dog shows, or competitions, remember to claim travel expenses on your taxes.
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 ...
Throw your finances a bone by remembering to claim your home office expenses on your taxes.
What kind of activities make a dog walker eligible for home office write-offs?
Working on client development
Managing finances and paperwork
Creating marketing and advertising assets
Scheduling appointments 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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