23 Tax Write-Offs for Self-Employed Security Guards
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.561600
Reviewed bySabrina Wiechart, CPASabrina is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with over 15 years of experience in tax preparation, planning, and S-Corp compliance. She holds a Master’s in Accounting and specializes in helping self-employed individuals make smart tax decisions. Sabrina is passionate about simplifying the S-Corp process and making sure every client keeps more of what they earn."Call security! The IRS is running away with all my money!"
That's something many self-employed people might think to themselves when tax time comes around.
But you can keep more of your finances under lock and key by remembering to write off eligible business expenses. For a security contractor, this might include anything from your uniform to self-defense classes to help you level up.
Keep reading for a comprehensive list of write-offs that most security professionals can claim to save money on their taxes.
Any uniforms you're required to wear on the job are considered tax-deductible.
This applies to clothing you can't reasonably wear outside of work. Everyday clothes don't qualify, even if you only wear them on the job.
License fees to carry a weapon for work are considered tax write-offs.
Any required training on safety protocols can be written off.
This covers training that maintains or improves skills for the work you already do. Courses that qualify you for a new trade or profession are not deductible.
Educational courses and certifications to enhance your skills are considered tax write-offs.
This covers training that maintains or improves skills for the work you already do. Courses that qualify you for a new trade or profession are not deductible.
Krav Maga, karate, and other self-defense classes are tax-deductible.
This covers training that maintains or improves skills for the work you already do. Courses that qualify you for a new trade or profession are not deductible.
Security and patrolling supplies, like flashlights and tasers, are tax-deductible.
Any subscriptions to trade journals related to your industry are considered tax write-offs.
Range fees and ammunition you buy to keep an armed-guard qualification current are deductible.
If you buy a phone or laptop and use it for work, it's partially deductible — in proportion to how much you use it for business. The device itself is depreciated on Box 13 (or expensed under Section 179); your monthly service plan belongs on Box 27b, and accessories on Box 22.
Protecting yourself and your business with liability insurance? It's a write-off.
If your state requires you to carry a bond to hold your license, the premium is deductible.
Fingerprinting and background checks your state requires for licensing are deductible as taxes and licenses.
If you drive for work ...
If you drive your own car to various job sites or to pick up uniforms and security supplies, feel free to deduct your 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 — if you use the actual expense method. The standard mileage rate already covers them.
Oil changes, repairs, and regular checkups are deductible if you use the actual expense method. Take the standard mileage rate instead and they're already baked into your per-mile deduction.
If you discuss work at a restaurant ...
Grabbing food or drinks with fellow security personnel or clients to discuss work? Remember to write off your business meal costs.
Sadly, a cup of coffee to stay awake on a late-night shift doesn't count.
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off — 50% of the tab.
If you leave town for work ...
Your security work might take you out of town on business trips, like to attend an industry conference or take a temporary job.
Luckily, you can write off work-related travel costs.
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, your meals are 50% deductible — takeout included. (Long-haul truck drivers subject to DOT hours-of-service rules can deduct 80%.)
If you work from home ...
An important step of filing your 1099 taxes is writing off business expenses to lower your taxable income. This includes home office expenses if you work from home on things like industry research or studying up on the latest industry developments.
A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs. Anything over about $2,500 gets depreciated on Form 4562 instead of written off all at once.
Repairs just for your home office are 100% deductible. Repairs to the rest of your home count too, prorated by your business-use percentage on Form 8829.
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.
You need internet to do your job! If you claim a home office, deduct it prorated on Form 8829 along with your other utilities. Internet you pay for on the road, purely for work, is 100% deductible.
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