25 Tax Write-Offs for Oil and Gas Contractors
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.237990
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.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!
Anything you wear to stay safe on the job is a write-off.
If you belong to a union, go ahead and write off your dues.
If you take courses to learn new skills as a contractor, you can write off what you pay.
Write off the fees you pay to contract labor to help you complete projects.
Heavy machinery and small tools used to complete projects are considered tax write-offs.
Legal fees paid to set up your business or draw up paperwork are deductible.
All conferences and retreats you attend to enhance your skills and network can be written off.
Freelancers, contractors, or other services that help you run your business are tax-deductible.
Part of your actual phone's cost, monthly phone bill, and any accessories you use for work can be written off.
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 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 ...
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.
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 can claim your travel costs on your taxes.
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 consistently study safety procedures, plan projects, or communicate with clients from a particular spot in your home, you can deduct 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!
You may also enjoy learning about:
Can I Take the Standard Deduction and Deduct Business Expenses?
Pro tip for freelancers and independent contractors: You can — and should — write off your business expenses on top of the standard deduction. Here's how.
By Soo Lee, CPA
Everything You Need to Know About the Business Travel Tax Deduction
Receipts for Taxes: What Do You Need to Keep?
What Education Expenses Are Tax-Deductible in 2026?
The Business Meal Deduction: A Freelancer's Guide
Ultimate Guide to Car Tax Deductions and Mileage
Track and claim every eligible deduction with Keeper
Keeper scans your accounts for write-offs and files your return — with tax pros reviewing every one.
Try it free