As a contract firefighter, your job saves lives. Whether you respond seasonally to wildfires, or keep industrial environments safe for workers, your job is indispensable. So taking the tax write-offs you're entitled to is the least you deserve.
Simply by writing off the everyday sort of business purchases you encounter as a contract firefighter, you can save on your tax bill every single year. That's why we've together all the best write-offs for firefighters.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Any uniforms you're required to wear on the job are considered tax-deductible.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Repairs, dry cleaning, or alternations for your uniform are tax-deductible.
Schedule C, Box 27a
If you belong to a union, go ahead and write off your dues.
Schedule C, Box 22
Deduct any equipment or tools, like axes, used to fight fires and save people.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Educational courses and certifications to enhance your skills are considered tax write-offs.
You don't need to drive for work on a daily basis to claim car-related tax deductions. If you drive to pick up gear or attend safety training, go ahead and write off the gas it took to get you there.
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.
Meeting with other emergency personnel or fellow firefighters to network or swap tips is a practice you might want to incorporate into your business.
And luckily, the cost of doing so over lunch can be deducted from your taxes 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!
To qualify for business trip tax deductions, your trip must be primarily about business. For instance, if you go away for a week and have a one-hour meeting with a client, you can't deduct the whole week's worth of hotel costs.
But if you go to an out-of-town firefighter conference and book a two-night stay so you attend the full event, that does count.
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 don't have access to another office space to work on things like industry research and online training, you might need to take care of those job responsibilities from home.
The good news is that allows you to claim the home office deduction!
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!
