As a self-employed ironworker, you spend your days on physically demanding, often dangerous job sites. It’s understandable why you might not want to spend much time on things like taxes once you come home. So let’s keep things simple: Did you know that, as a contract ironworker, you can write off the business expenses you encounter every day at your job sites?
Whether it’s protective gear or equipment repairs, you know how well these ordinary expenses add up. Don’t let the IRS take more of your money than you have to. Claim the following write-offs for ironworkers, and keep more of your hard earned money for yourself this year.
Schedule C, Box 22
Welding equipment, solder, and other tools are all tax-deductible for you.
Schedule C, Box 22
Write off the protective gear, like goggles and gloves, you wear while performing electrical work.
Schedule C, Box 11
Freelancers, contractors, or other services that help you run your business are tax-deductible.
Schedule C, Box 13
Each year you can deduct the depreciation on equipment like your cameras and lenses.
Schedule C, Box 21
Any maintenance or repairs needed for your equipment to operate are fully deductible
Schedule C, Box 27a
If you take courses to learn new skills as a contractor, you can write off what you pay.
The IRS allows people who drive for work to claim vehicle expenses on their taxes. So if you drive to meet a client or pick up ironworking tools, go ahead and add those write-offs to your Schedule C.
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 food or coffee with fellow mentors or clients is tax-deductible as long as the purpose of the meeting is to talk about work.
What about the cost of buying snacks to munch on while at work? Unless you're required to eat for your job, this, unfortunately, doesn't count.
Schedule C, Box 24b
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!
Whether you're traveling to meet a client in another city or attending an ironworking workshop, your business trip's necessary expenses can be written off on 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!
Working on client development or conducting industry research are some tasks an iron worker might take care of from a dedicated at-home workstation.
In this case, you can claim home office deductions 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!
