Chauffeurs are discreet, professional, and punctual — but do you apply that same level of care to your taxes? Too often, the easy ways you can save money at tax time are driven right by, unnoticed.
As a freelance chauffeur, you’re entitled to write off the everyday sort of expenses you run up during your shift. Whether it’s car wash supplies or tolls, simply claiming these purchases will apply the brakes to your tax bill, slowing down the speed at which you give your hard-earned cash to the IRS. Save enough money, and you might even be able to hire someone to drive you around!
Schedule C, Box 13
You can deduct the depreciation of the car you rent out each year.
Schedule C, Box 15
You can deduct the auto insurance premium on cars you rent out.
Schedule C, Box 9
Write off what you pay for any car repairs and scheduled maintenance.
Schedule C, Box 22
You can write off any phone chargers and other accessories for passengers to use in the car.
Schedule C, 27a
Car cleaning services to keep your vehicle looking nice and presentable are deductible.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Any uniforms you're required to wear on the job are considered tax-deductible.
Schedule C, Box 27a
If you need to get your uniform professionally dry cleaned, you can write it off.
If you are driving to pick up clients or to get your car serviced or repaired, you can deduct some of those driving-related expenses.Keep in mind: people who drive a lot for work, like chauffeurs, can end up saving more money if you track miles instead of actual car expenses.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Parking for a meeting downtown, or any other work trip, is tax-deductible!
Schedule C, Box 27a
A toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible!
Schedule C, Box 13
If you buy a new car, you can write off part of the cost every year for five years.
Schedule C, Box 22
Flashlights, tire iron, duct tape, and other tools you may need in your vehicle are deductible.
Schedule C, Box 15
Car insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible.
Schedule C, Box 9
Oil changes, repairs, and regular checkups are all tax-deductible if you drive for work.
If you grab food or drinks with clients or fellow chauffeurs, don't forget to write off your business meal expenses.
Schedule C, Box 24b
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!
If you have to travel out of town for work, the IRS lets you write off travel expenses.
For example, if you have to drive clients out of town and need to book overnight lodging, or if you plan to attend an industry conference to network with chauffeur staffing companies.
Schedule C, Box 24a
Planes, trains, and car rentals are all work-related travel costs that can be written off.
Schedule C, Box 24a
When you travel for work, lodging expenses such as hotel rooms or Airbnb are write offs.
Schedule C, Box 24a
When you're traveling for work, all meals are tax-deductible. Even takeout!
If you have a designated workspace at home where you spend time on things like marketing your services, client development, or managing finances and paperwork, you can claim a portion of your home office expenses on your taxes.
Schedule C, Box 18
A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs.
Schedule C, Box 21
You can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property.
Form 8829
Gotta keep the lights on in your home office! A portion of your electricity bill counts.
Form 8829
Whether it's rental or homeowners insurance, you can write off a portion through your home office deduction.
Form 8829
It'd be hard to work in an office without running water, huh? You water bill counts.
Schedule C, Box 25
Your Comcast bill is a tax write-off. You need internet to do your job!
