21 Tax Write-Offs for Independent Lifeguards
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.713900
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.Sun, sand, and surf — what could be better than hanging out at the beach or pool all day? How about saving money at tax time for the expenses you incur while spending all day by the water?
If you work as an independent contractor, you can write off any everyday business purchases you make to help you keep a watchful eye on swimmers. That also goes for any expenses you rack up showing other lifeguards the ropes.
There’s no need to blow a whistle — these write-offs are completely safe!
Swimsuits, T-shirts, and other uniform items required for the job are tax-deductible.
You can write off items you use for sun protection on the job, like specialized hats and sunscreen.
Medical supplies, like stethoscopes, PPE, and more, can be written off.
Write off the items and equipment you need to save someone, like rescue boards and tubes.
Training programs to receive your CPR certification are considered write-offs.
If you drive for work ...
If you use your car for business purposes, like to pick up supplies or attend lifeguard training courses, you can claim car-related expenses on your taxes.
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 ...
Self-employed lifeguards can partially deduct the cost of going for food or drinks with fitness trainers, pool managers, fellow lifeguards, or other people if the goal is to generate business.
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!
If you leave town for work ...
As long as they are "ordinary" and "necessary," like train tickets and hotel fees, you can deduct travel expenses when you go on out-of-town business trips—for example, to attend an industry conference or seminar.
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 ...
If you regularly conduct business at a designated work area in your home, you can claim home office deductions. Some of the work you do from home might include:
Teaching (or attending) online lifeguarding courses
Conducting industry research
Managing client paperwork
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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