24 Tax Write-Offs for Exterminators & Pest Control Businesses

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If you work for yourself as an exterminator, you’re used to squashing bugs. Now it’s time to turn that same hunter’s instinct toward snuffing out overpayments on your tax bill.

Don’t let the IRS burrow deeper into your wallet than they have to. By claiming your business expenses on your taxes, you're basically spraying a protective perimeter around your finances.

We’ve compiled the best write-offs for exterminators and pest control businesses, so you don’t even need to put out bait to attract those sweet savings.

Tools & equipment
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

Flags, flares, and other tools or equipment used to direct traffic are deductible.

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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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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Advertising
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 8

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

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Appointment booking software
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

If you use software to keep track of appointments, write off the subscription.

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Website & hosting fees
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 8

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

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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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Certifications & licenses
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 23

Any required certifications or licensing fees can be deducted.

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If you drive for work ...

A pest control specialist might have to drive to meet clients or pick up supplies. These are work-related trips that allow you to write off car expenses.

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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.

☂️
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 ...

Perhaps you have some questions for a fellow exterminator about growing your business.

If you take them for lunch to pick their brain, you can write the cost off as a business meal.

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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 ...

You can apply the travel tax deduction to lots of your travel costs. On-the-goal meals, lodging, or transportation all count.

Keep this in mind if you go out of town for things industry conferences or seminars.

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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 ...

You qualify for the home office deduction if you regularly do business from an at-home workspace.

If you have a desk where you schedule meetings, conduct industry research, or work on client development, don't forget to claim the relevant write-offs!

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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!