21 Tax Write-Offs for Contract Firefighters

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As a contract firefighter, your job saves lives. Whether you respond seasonally to wildfires, or keep industrial environments safe for workers, your job is indispensable. So taking the tax write-offs you're entitled to is the least you deserve.

Simply by writing off the everyday sort of business purchases you encounter as a contract firefighter, you can save on your tax bill every single year. That's why we've together all the best write-offs for firefighters.

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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 upkeep
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Repairs, dry cleaning, or alternations for your uniform are tax-deductible.

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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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Equipment & tools
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

Deduct any equipment or tools, like axes, used to fight fires and save people.

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Courses & certifications
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Educational courses and certifications to enhance your skills are considered tax write-offs.

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If you drive for work ...

You don't need to drive for work on a daily basis to claim car-related tax deductions. If you drive to pick up gear or attend safety training, go ahead and write off the gas it took to get you there.

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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 ...

Meeting with other emergency personnel or fellow firefighters to network or swap tips is a practice you might want to incorporate into your business.

And luckily, the cost of doing so over lunch can be deducted from your taxes 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 ...

To qualify for business trip tax deductions, your trip must be primarily about business. For instance, if you go away for a week and have a one-hour meeting with a client, you can't deduct the whole week's worth of hotel costs.

But if you go to an out-of-town firefighter conference and book a two-night stay so you attend the full event, that does count.

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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 don't have access to another office space to work on things like industry research and online training, you might need to take care of those job responsibilities from home.

The good news is that allows you to claim the home office deduction!

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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!