As a commercial painter, the quality of your work speaks for itself. But do you put the same attention to detail to your taxes? Too often, painters neglect to take all the write-offs that their business is entitled to, gumming up their savings and drying out future opportunities.
That’s why Keeper has compiled a list of the best write-offs for commercial painters, so that your return can gleam as bright as vibrantly as the houses you spruce up. Simply mix up the right write-offs for your business, and you’re good to go!
Schedule C, Box 8
Squarespace, Wix, GoDaddy, and other website service fees are fully tax-deductible.
Schedule C, Box 8
Print and online advertising costs for your business are considered write-offs.
Schedule C, Box 8
Business cards, brochures, service menus, and flyers promoting your business 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.
Schedule C, Box 22
Paint, brushes, tarps, cloths, and any other supplies you need to paint are all write-offs.
Schedule C, Box 11
Write off the fees you pay to contract labor to help you complete projects.
Driving around the city, whether to a job location, to pick up paint supplies, or to meet with a client, might not exactly qualify as painting the town red.But the good news is that you can write off a portion of your car expenses, relevant to the amount you use it for work.
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.
Grabbing dinner with a friend to decompress after a shift doesn't count as a business meal.
However, meeting a contractor, accountant, vendor, client, or fellow painter to talk about work does count — and the cost is considered a write-off.
Schedule C, Box 24b
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!
Networking is a big part of how freelancers line up their work.
So if you head out of town to attend an industry conference or meet with an out-of-town client, keep in mind that you can deduct your travel expenses from your taxes.
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 manage finances and paperwork, client development, or industry research from home, go ahead and write off a portion of your home office expenses.
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!
