23 Tax Write-Offs for Self-Employed Janitors & Custodians

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If you're a self-employed janitor or custodian, you know the value of cleanliness. But do you take the same level of care to polish up your tax bill? You may think it’s a dirty job, but it actually takes no elbow grease at all!

From cleaning supplies to dry cleaning bills for your uniforms, you can write off all the ordinary business expenses you encounter as an independent janitor. This also goes if you take on janitorial jobs through a platform like Taskrabbit or Wonolo. It’s as easy as taking out the trash.

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Cleaning supplies
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

Write off everything you use to clean, including sprays, rags, soap, and more.

Cleaning equipment
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

Cleaning equipment like vacuums, carpet cleaners, and steamers can be written off.

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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 dry cleaning
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

If you need to get your uniform professionally dry cleaned, you can write it off.

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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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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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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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If you drive for work ...

If you drive a car for work (even for small errands such as picking up cleaning supplies), you can write off a portion of your 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.

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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 ...

You can write off a portion of the cost on your taxes if you meet with a potential client at a restaurant to chat about your services, or with a fellow custodian to refer them to a job platform or share marketing insights.

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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 ...

If you meet with a potential client at a restaurant to chat about your services or with a fellow janitor to share industry insights, you can write off a portion of the cost 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 ...

If you do at least some of your janitorial work from a dedicated workstation at home, like conducting industry research or managing finances and paperwork, remember that a portion of your home office expenses will be deductible.

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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!