21 Tax Write-Offs for Independent Lifeguards
NAICS business codeYour NAICS business code is a six-digit string of numbers that shows the type of work your business does. NAICS stands for North American Industry Classification System. When you do your taxes, you'll enter it in Box B of your Schedule C.713900
Reviewed bySabrina Wiechart, CPASabrina is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with over 15 years of experience in tax preparation, planning, and S-Corp compliance. She holds a Master’s in Accounting and specializes in helping self-employed individuals make smart tax decisions. Sabrina is passionate about simplifying the S-Corp process and making sure every client keeps more of what they earn.Sun, sand, and surf — what could be better than hanging out at the beach or pool all day? How about saving money at tax time for the expenses you incur while spending all day by the water?
If you work as an independent contractor, you can write off any everyday business purchases you make to help you keep a watchful eye on swimmers. That also goes for any expenses you rack up showing other lifeguards the ropes.
There’s no need to blow a whistle — these write-offs are completely safe!
Swimsuits, T-shirts, and other uniform items required for the job are tax-deductible.
This applies to clothing you can't reasonably wear outside of work. Everyday clothes don't qualify, even if you only wear them on the job.
You can write off items you use for sun protection on the job, like specialized hats and sunscreen.
Medical supplies, like stethoscopes, PPE, and more, can be written off.
Write off the items and equipment you need to save someone, like rescue boards and tubes.
Training programs to receive your CPR certification are considered write-offs.
This covers training that maintains or improves skills for the work you already do. Courses that qualify you for a new trade or profession are not deductible.
Print and online advertising costs for your business are considered write-offs.
Protecting yourself and your business with liability insurance? It's a write-off.
Fees to renew your license to perform your work are fully deductible.
If you drive for work ...
If you use your car for business purposes, like to pick up supplies or attend lifeguard training courses, you can claim car-related expenses on your taxes.
Parking for a meeting downtown, or any other work trip, is tax-deductible!
A toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible!
If you buy a new car, you can write off part of the cost every year for five years.
Flashlights, tire iron, duct tape, and other tools you may need in your vehicle are deductible.
Car insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible — if you use the actual expense method. The standard mileage rate already covers them.
Oil changes, repairs, and regular checkups are deductible if you use the actual expense method. Take the standard mileage rate instead and they're already baked into your per-mile deduction.
If you discuss work at a restaurant ...
Self-employed lifeguards can partially deduct the cost of going for food or drinks with fitness trainers, pool managers, fellow lifeguards, or other people if the goal is to generate business.
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off — 50% of the tab.
If you leave town for work ...
As long as they are "ordinary" and "necessary," like train tickets and hotel fees, you can deduct travel expenses when you go on out-of-town business trips—for example, to attend an industry conference or seminar.
Planes, trains, and car rentals are all work-related travel costs that can be written off.
When you travel for work, lodging expenses such as hotel rooms or Airbnb are write-offs.
When you're traveling for work, your meals are 50% deductible — takeout included. (Long-haul truck drivers subject to DOT hours-of-service rules can deduct 80%.)
If you work from home ...
If you regularly conduct business at a designated work area in your home, you can claim home office deductions. Some of the work you do from home might include:
Teaching (or attending) online lifeguarding courses
Conducting industry research
Managing client paperwork
A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs. Anything over about $2,500 gets depreciated on Form 4562 instead of written off all at once.
Repairs just for your home office are 100% deductible. Repairs to the rest of your home count too, prorated by your business-use percentage on Form 8829.
Gotta keep the lights on in your home office! A portion of your electricity bill counts.
Whether it's rental or homeowners insurance, you can write off a portion through your home office deduction.
It'd be hard to work in an office without running water, huh? Your water bill counts.
You need internet to do your job! If you claim a home office, deduct it prorated on Form 8829 along with your other utilities. Internet you pay for on the road, purely for work, is 100% deductible.
You may also enjoy learning about ...
Can You Write Off Clothes for Work?
If you're self-employed, you may be able to claim clothing write-offs. The rules: 1) You have to wear it for work and 2) You'd only wear it for work.
By Keeper Staff
What Education Expenses Are Tax-Deductible in 2026?
Receipts for Taxes: What Do You Need to Keep?
Use This Free Spreadsheet for Your Independent Contractor Expenses
The Last Schedule C Guide You'll Ever Need
How To File Your Self-Employment Taxes in 7 Easy Steps
Track and claim every eligible deduction with Keeper
Keeper scans your accounts for write-offs and files your return — with tax pros reviewing every one.
Try it free