23 Tax Write-Offs for Electricians

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Reviewed by
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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.

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Electrical tools & equipment
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

Tools and equipment used to fix electrical problems for clients are tax write-offs.

Protective gear
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

Write off the protective gear, like goggles and gloves, you wear while performing electrical work.

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Union dues
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

If you belong to a union, go ahead and write off your dues.

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Uniforms
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Any uniforms you're required to wear on the job are considered tax-deductible.

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Uniform dry cleaning
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

If you need to get your uniform professionally dry cleaned, you can write it off.

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Trade school tuition
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

If you take courses to learn new skills as a contractor, you can write off what you pay.

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Contract labor
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 11

Write off the fees you pay to contract labor to help you complete projects.

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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.

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Parking
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

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

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Tolls
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

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

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Car purchase & depreciation
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 13

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

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Vehicle tool kit
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

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

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Car insurance & registration
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 15

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

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Car maintenance
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 9

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.

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Business meals
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24b

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.

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Transportation
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24a

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

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Travel lodging
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24a

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

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Meals while traveling
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24a

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.

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Home office furniture
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

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

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Property repairs
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 21

You can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property.

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Power bill
Write it off using:

Form 8829

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

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Property insurance
Write it off using:

Form 8829

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

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Water bill
Write it off using:

Form 8829

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

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Wi-Fi bill
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 25

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