21 Tax Write-Offs for Contract EMTs
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.621900
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 be real, while your work as an emergency medical technician is rewarding, being on call and dealing with high-stress situations all day is exhausting. We wouldn’t blame you if the last thing you want to think about when you come home is your taxes.
But did you know that, as a contract EMT, you’re entitled to an easy way to save money on your taxes?
Simply write off the business expenses you encounter on the job every day, and watch your tax bill drop.
Medical supplies, like stethoscopes, PPE, and more, can be written off.
Hand sanitizer and face masks you use at work can be written off.
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.
Fees to renew your license to perform your work are fully deductible.
If you drive for work ...
Whether you use your car for work on a daily basis or just every so often, like to drive to medical offices, you can write off a portion of the money you spend on your car, like maintenance or repairs.
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 ...
Continued learning is a big contributor to success no matter what industry you're in.
This might include meeting fellow EMTs, medical professionals, or first responders at a restaurant to chat about your work experiences and learnings.
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!
If you leave town for work ...
The money you spend on work-related travel, like to an industry conference, is a business expense that can be written off 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 ...
Doing industry research or managing finances and paperwork are responsibilities an emergency medical technician might take care of at home. It also allows you to write off some of your 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 ...
Ultimate Guide to Car Tax Deductions and Mileage
If your freelancing, 1099 contracting, or small business involves driving, then you can claim car-related tax write-offs. Here's how to save on your car expenses at tax time — and everything you can deduct.
By Krislyn Chan
Everything You Need to Know About the Business Travel Tax Deduction
What Education Expenses Are 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