25 Tax Write-Offs for Machinists
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.332000
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.Machinists know that, in order for something to work properly, all the different parts need to be operating in harmony. The same is true when it comes to filing your taxes. But one often overlooked component for independent machinists is write-offs.
Too often, these valuable parts get left out, jamming up the whole system and resulting in an overflow of extra money going to the IRS. Luckily, we’ve put together a full blueprint of all the best write-offs you’re entitled to as a machinist. All that’s left is to assemble your savings!
Heavy machinery and small tools used to complete projects are considered tax write-offs.
Each year you can deduct the depreciation on the big-ticket equipment you bought for work.
Any maintenance or repairs needed for your equipment to operate are fully deductible.
Any uniforms you're required to wear on the job are considered tax-deductible.
Fees to renew your license to perform your work are fully deductible.
If you take courses to learn new skills as a contractor, you can write off what you pay.
Print and online advertising costs for your business are considered write-offs.
Do you pay a professional to audit your financial records and take care of your tax planning? Their fees are a write-off.
Write off the fees you pay to contract labor to help you complete projects.
If you drive for work ...
If you drive for your work as a machinist, like to visit a job site, attend a course, or pick up tools, you can write off a portion of vehicle-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 ...
According to the IRS, grabbing dinner with fellow machinists or construction workers to discuss a project you're working on counts as a business expense. So you can write off the cost of your meal!
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 fly, drive, or train to attend an out-of-town job site or manufacturing conference, feel free to write off your travel expenses.
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 ...
As a machinist, much of your work likely takes place at various job sites. However, if you take care of administrative tasks from a designated desk or workspace at home, such as doing industry research or client development, you can write off a portion of your home office expenses.
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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