24 Tax Write-Offs for Plumbers

NAICS business code238220
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Plumbers know better than anyone that if you have a blockage anywhere in the pipes, it causes a nasty backup. But too often, they leave their taxes clogged with unclaimed savings.

Luckily, there’s an easy way to clear those passages. Simply by claiming the everyday business expenses you encounter on the job, you can lower the water level of your taxable income, and let your profits flow freely once more. No snaking required!

Licensing fees

Fees to renew your license to perform your work are fully deductible.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 23
Continuing education classes

Continuing education classes required to keep your job are fully deductible.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 27a
Union dues

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

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 27a
Appointment booking software

If you use software to keep track of appointments, write off the subscription.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 18
Protective gear

Write off the protective gear, like goggles and gloves, you wear on the job.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 22
Plumbing tools & equipment

Tools and equipment used to complete plumbing projects are considered write-offs.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 22
Advertising

Print and online advertising costs for your business are considered write-offs.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 8
Website & hosting fees

Squarespace, Wix, GoDaddy, and other website service fees are fully tax-deductible.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 8

If you drive for work ...

If you drive a car for your plumbing business, like to meet a client or pick up tools and equipment, you can potentially claim some big tax write-offs on the associated car expenses.

Parking

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

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 9
Tolls

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

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 9
Car purchase & depreciation

If you buy a new car, you can write off part of the cost every year for five years.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 13
Vehicle tool kit

Flashlights, tire iron, duct tape, and other tools you may need in your vehicle are deductible.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 22
Car insurance & registration

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

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 9
Car maintenance

Oil changes, repairs, and regular checkups are all tax-deductible if you drive for work.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 9

If you discuss work at a restaurant ...

Visiting a restaurant for a conversation you're hoping will turn into a referral, or meeting with a fellow plumber to talk about newly-released plumbing equipment? That counts as a business expense and can be written off.

Business meals

If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 24b

If you leave town for work ...

If there's an out-of-town plumbing conference that your business would benefit from attending, you can write off the related travel expenses.

Transportation

Planes, trains, and car rentals are all work-related travel costs that can be written off.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 24a
Travel lodging

When you travel for work, lodging expenses such as hotel rooms or Airbnb are write-offs.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 24a
Meals while traveling

When you're traveling for work, all meals are tax-deductible. Even takeout!

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 24b

If you work from home ...

Your workspace doesn't have to be in a separate room for you to claim the home office deduction.

If you manage client paperwork or do industry research from a designated "work spot" in your home, that allows you to deduct those write-offs.

Home office furniture

A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 18
Property repairs

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

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 21
Power bill

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

Where to write it off: Form 8829
Property insurance

Whether it's rental or homeowners insurance, you can write off a portion through your home office deduction.

Where to write it off: Form 8829
Water bill

It'd be hard to work in an office without running water, huh? Your water bill counts.

Where to write it off: Form 8829
Wi-Fi bill

Your Comcast bill is a tax write-off. You need internet to do your job!

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 25

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