Childcare is one of the most rewarding professions there is, but let’s face it: it’s also exhausting. By the end of a long day, the last thing you want to worry about is your taxes. But like spit-up, paying them is an inevitable reality.
That’s why here at Keeper, we’ve gathered the best tax write-offs for independent childcare providers, so you can lower your tax bills and your stress levels at the same time. With these write-offs, you’ll be able to watch your savings grow up before your eyes!
Schedule C, Box 22
You can write off any toys you buy for the children you're caring for to play with.
Schedule C, Box 22
Craft supplies for art activites to keep children entertained can be fully deducted.
Schedule C, Box 22
All of the books you purchase to read to the kids are considered write-offs.
Schedule C, Box 27a
First aid training and certification costs, like for CPR, can be deducted on your taxes.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Go ahead and write off any additional expenses you won't be reimbursed for.
Schedule C, Box 8
Print and online advertising costs for your business are considered write-offs.
Many things you use to do your job can be written off your taxes. That includes your car — if you use it for work.
For example, if you have to drive children in your care around town, or if you drive to pick up supplies, make house visits, or attend safety training, you can write off 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 schedule a business meal with a parent or fellow caretaker to talk about your services, you can write off the cost of the food or drinks.
Schedule C, Box 24b
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!
Expenses you incur while traveling for work — such as providing child care services to a family on vacation — can be written off as a business expense.
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!
Plenty of childcare providers use their homes as daycare facilities. Expenses like rent or utilities are needed to do their job and can be deducted from their taxes.
This also counts when you're taking care of additional work-related responsibilities from home, like marketing and advertising, researching new childcare activities, or keeping in touch with clients.
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!
