Running tests, waiting for results, scrubbing down so. many. beakers. Life as a lab tech can feel like being stuck running on an endless wheel — an expensive endless wheel. But if you work as an independent contractor, there's good news. Every work-related purchase you make, from testing supplies to data analysis software and more, can actually save you money on your taxes.
Writing off those expenses at the end of the year lowers your taxable income, reducing how much you need to pay. It’s like raising the boiling point of your taxes, so your hard-earned money doesn’t turn to steam and float away!
Schedule C, Box 27a
The lab coat you wear at work — and any cleaning or alteration services for it — are deductible.
Schedule C, Box 22
Write off the protective gear, like goggles and gloves, you wear while performing electrical work.
Schedule C, Box 18
Write off any subscriptions or licensing fees you pay for analytics platforms.
Schedule C, Box 22
Any chemicals, tools, or equipment you use to run lab tests can be deducted.
Schedule C, Box 22
Petri dishes, microscopes, and other equipment you use in the lab are deductible.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Classes you take to enhance your skills after getting your license are tax write-offs.
Schedule C, Box 23
Any required certifications or licensing fees can be deducted.
If you use a vehicle for things like picking up lab supplies or traveling between labs, you can deduct your car expenses. But remember, you can only write off the percentage of expenses related to your job.
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.
Meal expenses can be deducted on your tax return if it's work-related. For example, if you talk shop with a fellow lab technician, researcher, or scientist over lunch, the cost is deductible.
Schedule C, Box 24b
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!
Whether you get from point A to B on a business trip by rental car, train, bus, or plane, you can deduct travel expenses. That applies for any kind out-of-town conference or seminar you might attend.
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!
Home office expenses, like internet and heat, can be written off if you work from home on things like industry research or studying up in your field.
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!
