23 Tax Write-Offs for Electricians
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.238210
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.Look, we know that taxes don’t generally spark most people’s interests. But did you know that as an independent electrician, there’s a simple way to cross-circuit your taxes so that you save money every time you spend money on your business?
From replacement parts to maintaining your truck, these ordinary expenses may feel like a burden — but once you write them off on your taxes, you’ll see them for the light they are! And we’ve made it even easier, by soldering together all the best write-offs for electricians, so you’ll never be left in the dark again.
Tools and equipment used to fix electrical problems for clients are tax write-offs.
Write off the protective gear, like goggles and gloves, you wear while performing electrical work.
If you belong to a union, go ahead and write off your dues.
Any uniforms you're required to wear on the job are considered tax-deductible.
If you need to get your uniform professionally dry cleaned, you can write it off.
If you take courses to learn new skills as a contractor, you can write off what you pay.
Write off the fees you pay to contract labor to help you complete projects.
If you drive for work ...
Lots of car expenses, like gas or oil changes, can be written off if you drive for work. As an electrician, this might include picking up tools or equipment or heading to a job site.
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 ...
Mentors, apprentices, clients, or fellow electricians are all people you might go for dinner or drinks with to discuss work. These costs can be written off as business meals.
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!
If you leave town for work ...
Your work as an electrician might take you out of town once in a while, like to attend an industry conference.
Luckily, you can write off work-related travel costs 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 ...
If you work on your electrician business from home, like conducting industry research or creating marketing assets, you can deduct home office expenses from your taxes.
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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