22 Tax Write-Offs for Independent Ironworkers

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As a self-employed ironworker, you spend your days on physically demanding, often dangerous job sites. It’s understandable why you might not want to spend much time on things like taxes once you come home. So let’s keep things simple: Did you know that, as a contract ironworker, you can write off the business expenses you encounter every day at your job sites?

Whether it’s protective gear or equipment repairs, you know how well these ordinary expenses add up. Don’t let the IRS take more of your money than you have to. Claim the following write-offs for ironworkers, and keep more of your hard earned money for yourself this year.

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Welding tools
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

Welding equipment, solder, and other tools are all tax-deductible for you.

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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Contracted help
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 11

Freelancers, contractors, or other services that help you run your business are tax-deductible.

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Equipment depreciation
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 13

Each year you can deduct the depreciation on equipment like your cameras and lenses.

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Equipment repairs
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 21

Any maintenance or repairs needed for your equipment to operate are fully deductible

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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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If you drive for work ...

The IRS allows people who drive for work to claim vehicle expenses on their taxes. So if you drive to meet a client or pick up ironworking tools, go ahead and add those write-offs to your Schedule C.

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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 ...

Grabbing food or coffee with fellow mentors or clients is tax-deductible as long as the purpose of the meeting is to talk about work.

What about the cost of buying snacks to munch on while at work? Unless you're required to eat for your job, this, unfortunately, doesn't count.

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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 ...

Whether you're traveling to meet a client in another city or attending an ironworking workshop, your business trip's necessary expenses can be written off on your taxes.

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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 ...

Working on client development or conducting industry research are some tasks an iron worker might take care of from a dedicated at-home workstation.

In this case, you can claim home office deductions on 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!