23 Tax Write-Offs for Self-Employed Security Guards
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. "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.
License fees to carry a weapon for work are considered tax write-offs.
Any required training on safety protocols can be written off.
Educational courses and certifications to enhance your skills are considered tax write-offs.
Krav Maga, karate, and other self-defense classes are tax-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.
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.
Oil changes, repairs, and regular checkups are all tax-deductible if you drive for work.
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! Keep in mind business meals are only 50% deductible.
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 a write-off, even takeout. Like all business meals, they're 50% deductible, whether you eat on the road or close to home.
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.
A repair only to your home office is deductible in full. A repair to the whole home is an indirect expense, so you deduct it in proportion to your home office 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? You water bill counts.
Your Comcast bill is a tax write-off. You need internet to do your job!
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