Contractors & Home Services

It depends on the type of kit — a basic, single-use radon test kit is deducted as a consumable supply, while a reusable continuous radon monitor is treated as equipment, either deducted immediately under Section 179 or depreciated over time. Simple charcoal or short-term passive radon test kits, the kind sent to a lab after a short testing period and then discarded, are consumable supplies, deducted in full each time you purchase and use one for a client inspection, similar t

Yes — a chef's coat or other work-specific uniform is deductible, since it passes the IRS test for work clothing more clearly than most professions' apparel does: it's specialized clothing not suitable for ordinary, everyday wear, even though it might look like "just clothes" at first glance. The IRS generally disallows deductions for clothing that could reasonably be worn outside of work, but a chef's coat is a strong example of clothing that fails that everyday-wear test in

Yes — false lashes purchased for client use, even single-use pairs applied once and discarded or given to the client, are fully deductible as consumable business supplies, the same as any other product used up during a service. Because false lashes used for client applications are typically single-use or client-specific for hygiene reasons, the full cost of the inventory is deducted as a supply expense in the year you purchase it, regardless of how many individual pairs are a

Yes — a portable table cart used to transport a massage table between client locations is a deductible business expense for mobile massage therapists, treated the same as any other piece of equipment used to run your business. A table cart exists specifically to make it possible to move a massage table efficiently and safely between appointments, which makes it a direct, ordinary cost of running a mobile practice rather than a personal item. Depending on the cost, it may qual

Yes — cleaning products purchased in bulk from a wholesale club are deductible, but only the portion actually used for client jobs, which means bulk purchases that mix business and personal use need to be handled carefully to hold up if ever questioned. Buying in bulk is a common and smart way to reduce costs for cleaning contractors, and there's no rule against it — the IRS doesn't require you to buy in small quantities to claim a deduction. The issue that comes up is when a

Yes — repair costs and extended warranties on cleaning equipment used for client jobs are deductible business expenses, treated a little differently from each other but both fully deductible as ordinary costs of keeping your equipment running. Repairs are generally deducted in full in the year you pay for them, since a repair simply restores equipment to working condition rather than adding new value or extending its useful life significantly — the same treatment a car repair

Yes — background check fees you pay to get approved for client work, whether required by an individual client, a property management company, or a cleaning platform, are deductible business expenses, since they're a cost of doing business rather than a personal expense. Many cleaning contractors run into background check requirements from commercial clients, property managers, or platforms that connect them with new customers, and these checks often come with a fee the contra

Yes — inspection tools, testing equipment, and mileage to properties are deductible business expenses for independent home inspectors, and because the job is equipment- and travel-heavy, these two categories often make up the bulk of an inspector's deductions. Moisture meters, thermal cameras, ladders, and other inspection-specific tools are ordinary business costs, so smaller items are typically deducted in full the year purchased. Larger equipment, like a thermal imaging ca

Beyond mileage, real estate agents can deduct a wide range of costs tied to running their business, including marketing, MLS and association fees, licensing, and even a portion of their home if they maintain a dedicated office. Marketing is often one of the largest categories for agents — professional photography for listings, staging costs, yard signs, postcards, and paid social or search ads are all ordinary business expenses. MLS dues, brokerage desk fees, and association

Yes — pet supplies, mileage between client homes, and related business costs are deductible for independent pet sitters and dog walkers, as long as they're tied to client care rather than your own pets. Items like leashes, waste bags, treats, and pet first-aid supplies bought specifically for use with clients' animals are ordinary business expenses. If you drive between client homes for visits or walks, that mileage is deductible using either the standard mileage rate or actu

Yes — tools and equipment bought to complete paying jobs are deductible for independent handymen, but how you deduct them depends on the cost: smaller tools are typically written off right away, while bigger equipment may be deducted over time or all at once under certain IRS rules. Everyday tools like drills, saws, ladders, and hand tool sets are usually deducted in full the year you buy them, since they're relatively inexpensive and used up over normal wear and tear. Larger

Help! It’s almost tax filing time, and your records are, well, incomplete. What if you forgot to save your info? Don’t worry, you’re not totally out of luck. Read on to find out how to save yourself on tax day.