If you work for yourself as an exterminator, you’re used to squashing bugs. Now it’s time to turn that same hunter’s instinct toward snuffing out overpayments on your tax bill.
Don’t let the IRS burrow deeper into your wallet than they have to. By claiming your business expenses on your taxes, you're basically spraying a protective perimeter around your finances.
We’ve compiled the best write-offs for exterminators and pest control businesses, so you don’t even need to put out bait to attract those sweet savings.
Schedule C, Box 22
Flags, flares, and other tools or equipment used to direct traffic are deductible.
Schedule C, Box 22
Write off the protective gear, like goggles and gloves, you wear while performing electrical work.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Any uniforms you're required to wear on the job are considered tax-deductible.
Schedule C, Box 8
Print and online advertising costs for your business are considered write-offs.
Schedule C, Box 18
If you use software to keep track of appointments, write off the subscription.
Schedule C, Box 8
Squarespace, Wix, GoDaddy, and other website service fees are fully tax-deductible.
Schedule C, Box 11
Write off the fees you pay to contract labor to help you complete projects.
Schedule C, Box 23
Any required certifications or licensing fees can be deducted.
A pest control specialist might have to drive to meet clients or pick up supplies. These are work-related trips that allow you to 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.
Perhaps you have some questions for a fellow exterminator about growing your business.
If you take them for lunch to pick their brain, you can write the cost off as a business meal.
Schedule C, Box 24b
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!
You can apply the travel tax deduction to lots of your travel costs. On-the-goal meals, lodging, or transportation all count.
Keep this in mind if you go out of town for things industry conferences or seminars.
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!
You qualify for the home office deduction if you regularly do business from an at-home workspace.
If you have a desk where you schedule meetings, conduct industry research, or work on client development, don't forget to claim the relevant write-offs!
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!
