26 Tax Write-Offs for Exterminators & Pest Control Businesses
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.561710
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.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.
Write off the protective gear, like goggles and gloves, you wear on the job.
Any uniforms you're required to wear on the job are considered tax-deductible.
Print and online advertising costs for your business are considered write-offs.
If you use software to keep track of appointments, write off the subscription.
Squarespace, Wix, GoDaddy, and other website service fees are fully tax-deductible.
Write off the fees you pay to contract labor to help you complete projects.
Any required certifications or licensing fees can be deducted.
Bait stations, rodent traps, and backpack sprayers you use on the job can be written off.
Any sprays, baits, and traps you buy can be deducted.
Any tools or equipment needed to control or exterminate pests are deductible.
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.
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 ...
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.
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-go meals, lodging, or transportation all count.
Keep this in mind if you go out of town for things like industry conferences or seminars.
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 ...
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!
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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