25 Tax Write-Offs for Oil and Gas Contractors

Icon check
Reviewed by
a tax professional

Is there anything cozier than a well-heated home in the winter? Probably not, but saving money on our taxes sure gives us the warm fuzzies! And as an oil and gas contractor, there’s an easy way for you to lower your tax bill, just by claiming the business expenses you run into every day.

Don’t let these savings burn — use our list of the best write-offs for oil and gas contractors to make sure you’re getting the most out of your taxes. It’s time to watch those savings heat up!

🦺
Safety gear
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Anything you wear to stay safe on the job is a write-off.

💵
Union dues
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

If you belong to a union, go ahead and write off your dues.

🧑‍🎓
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.

🛠️
Contract labor
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 11

Write off the fees you pay to contract labor to help you complete projects.

🏗️
Machinery & tools
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 13

Heavy machinery and small tools used to complete projects are considered tax write-offs.

⚖️
Legal fees
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 17

Legal fees paid to set up your business or draw up paperwork are deductible.

🌴
Conferences & retreats
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

All conferences and retreats you attend to enhance your writing and network can be written off

🤝
Contracted help
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 11

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

📱
Phone & accessories
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Part of your actual phone's cost, monthly phone bill, and any accessories you use for work can be written off.

Estimate tax saving

Track and claim every eligible deduction with Keeper

Keeper is the top-rated all-in-one business expense tracker, tax filing service, and personal accountant.

If you drive for work ...

If you're using your car for work, can you claim associated costs on your taxes? Yes! Driving between worksites, picking up tools, or attending safety training are all reasons an oil or gas contractor might drive for work. That means you can write off car expenses.

🅿️
Parking
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Parking for a meeting downtown, or any other work trip, is tax-deductible!

🛣️
Tolls
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

A toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible!

🚘
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.

🧰
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.

☂️
Car insurance & registration
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 15

Car insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible.

🔧
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 ...

As a self-employed oil and gas contractor, the costs you incur while trying to grow your business can often be deducted.

For example, if you grab food or drinks with fellow contractors, you can write off the costs.

🍔
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 travel to an out-of-town oil rig, you claim your travel costs on your taxes.

🛫
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.

🏨
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.

🥡
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 consistently study safety procedures, plan projects, or communicate with clients from a particular spot in your home, you can deduct home office expenses.

🛋️
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.

🛠️
Property repairs
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 21

You can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property.

🔌
Power bill
Write it off using:

Form 8829

Gotta keep the lights on in your home office! A portion of your electricity bill counts.

🌪️
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.

🚰
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.

🌐
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!