Independent Contractor Deductions

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 — cybersecurity insurance premiums are fully deductible for independent IT consultants, since this coverage protects specifically against risks tied directly to the work you're paid to do, like a data breach on a client's system or liability from a security incident you're involved in. As an IT consultant, you often have access to sensitive client systems and data, which creates real exposure if something goes wrong — even through no clear fault of your own. Cybersecurity

Yes — music licensing fees paid to legally play copyrighted music at commercial gigs are deductible business expenses, since they're a required cost of legally performing the job, not an optional add-on. Depending on the type of event and venue, DJs may need to pay for performance licenses (often handled through organizations like ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC), venue-specific licensing fees, or fees built into a DJ pool or music service subscription that covers commercial usage right

Beyond booth rental, freelance and booth-rental hairstylists can deduct products, supplies, licensing, insurance, and even a portion of their phone bill — a wider list than most stylists realize until they sit down to file. Products used directly on clients — color, shampoo, styling products, foils, and disposable capes or towels — are fully deductible as ordinary business supplies. Larger equipment, like a new styling chair or a professional dryer, may be deducted in full th

Yes — your makeup kit, brushes, and the products you restock for client use are deductible business expenses, but makeup you wear personally or products you'd buy regardless of client work don't qualify. Initial kit-building costs (foundation, palettes, brushes, sanitizing supplies) and ongoing restocks of client-use products are ordinary and necessary costs of the business, so they're fully deductible. Higher-cost items, like a professional kit case or lighting setup for on-

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

Most DoorDash drivers should set aside 25–30% of their earnings for taxes, though the right number depends on your total income, deductions, and tax bracket, since self-employment tax stacks on top of regular income tax. When you drive for DoorDash, no one withholds taxes from your pay the way an employer would for a W-2 job. That means you're responsible for both income tax and self-employment tax, which covers Social Security and Medicare and currently runs 15.3% of your ne

Yes — design software subscriptions, computer equipment, and other tools used for client work are deductible for independent graphic designers, but personal-use equipment or software you'd have regardless of freelancing doesn't qualify. Subscriptions like Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva Pro, or font licensing used for client projects are ordinary business costs, so the full subscription fee is deductible as long as it's used for work. Larger purchases, like a new laptop, monitor,

Yes — a dedicated home office, computer equipment, and software used for client work are all deductible for independent IT consultants, as long as they're used regularly and specifically for the business. If you work from a space in your home used exclusively for client work, you can use either the simplified home office method ($5 per square foot, up to 300 square feet, for a maximum of $1,500) or the regular method, which applies your actual business-use percentage to rent

Yes — mileage driven between client homes for walks is deductible for independent dog walkers, and for walkers who cover several neighborhoods in a day, it's often the single biggest deduction available. You can calculate this mileage using either the standard mileage rate (a flat amount per business mile) or actual vehicle expenses, whichever works out better for your situation. Most dog walkers come out ahead using the standard mileage rate simply because of how much short-

Yes — accounting and bookkeeping software subscriptions used to serve clients are deductible business expenses for independent bookkeepers, along with most other tools you use to run a virtual or in-person practice. Software like QuickBooks Online, Xero, or industry-specific add-ons are ordinary and necessary costs of doing bookkeeping work, so the full subscription cost is deductible as long as it's used for client work. If you also use a version of the software for personal

Yes — sound equipment, instruments, and travel to gigs are deductible business expenses for independent DJs and musicians, but personal listening gear or instruments you don't use professionally don't qualify. Speakers, mixers, turntables, microphones, and instruments used to perform paid gigs are ordinary business costs, so they're deductible. Bigger purchases, like a full sound system, may qualify for Section 179, allowing you to deduct the full cost immediately in the year

Errors and Omissions Insurance and Supplies? Yes — E&O insurance, notary bonds, stamps, and signing supplies are all deductible business expenses for independent notary signing agents, since each one is required or ordinary to run the business. Because notary work carries legal liability if a signing is ever done incorrectly, most notaries carry Errors & Omissions insurance and a state-required notary bond. Both are fully deductible, along with your notary commission fees, se

Yes — cleaning supplies, equipment, and even a portion of your vehicle costs are deductible for independent cleaning contractors, as long as they're used to service clients rather than your own home. Because cleaning is a supply-heavy business, this is often one of the larger deduction categories contractors have. Products like disinfectants, mop heads, vacuum bags, and trash bags used on client jobs are fully deductible. Bigger equipment, like a commercial vacuum or a carpet