28 Tax Write-Offs for Constructor Contractors

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Reviewed by
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Construction contractors know that a solid foundation is crucial to building a sound structure. But too often, even the best craftsmen forget to apply the same care to their taxes.

One of the best ways to reduce the weight burden during tax time is to make sure you claim all your everyday sort of business expenses on your return. By leaving out this this extra material, you’ll build a financial framework that is strong enough to last a lifetime!

🖥️
Lead generation software
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

Software for CRM, lead generation, or email marketing is a write-off.

⚖️
Legal fees
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 17

Legal fees paid to set up your business or draw up paperwork are deductible.

👨‍💻
Productivity software
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

Software you use for invoicing, tracking expenses, creating timesheets, and so on is deductible.

🎓
Seminars & workshops
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Coaching, seminars, or workshops used to maintain your work-related skills can be written off.

🛠️
Contract labor
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 11

Write off the fees you pay to contract labor to help you complete projects.

📣
Online advertising
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 8

Ad campaigns on Google, Meta, TikTok, and more are all deductible on your taxes.

💵
Union dues
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

If you belong to a union, go ahead and write off your dues.

🦺
Safety gear & uniforms
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Deduct any gear you and your team need for safety on the job, like steel-toed boots and hard hats.

🧑‍🎓
Trade school tuition
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

If you take courses to learn new skills as a contractor, you can write off what you pay.

📃
Commercial license
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 23

Fees to get a commercial license to operate heavy machinery and vehicles are deductible.

🏗️
Machinery & tools
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 13

Heavy machinery and small tools used to complete projects are considered tax write-offs.

📱
Phone, laptop, accessories
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

If buy a phone or laptop and use it for work, it's partially deductible.

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If you drive for work ...

If your work as a construction contractor finds you on the road, whether you're driving to a job site, picking up equipment, or meeting with a client, keep in mind that you can write off a portion of your expenses on things like fuel and car maintenance.

🅿️
Parking
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Parking for a meeting downtown, or any other work trip, is tax-deductible!

🛣️
Tolls
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

A toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible!

🚘
Car purchase & depreciation
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 13

If you buy a new car, you can write off part of the cost every year for five years.

🧰
Vehicle tool kit
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

Flashlights, tire iron, duct tape, and other tools you may need in your vehicle are deductible.

☂️
Car insurance & registration
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 15

Car insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible.

🔧
Car maintenance
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 9

Oil changes, repairs, and regular checkups are all tax-deductible if you drive for work.

If you discuss work at a restaurant ...

The IRS gets that a construction contractor's job isn't restricted to construction sites. You might grab dinner with prospective clients or fellow construction contractors who want to refer you for a job.These both count as business meals and you can write the costs off on your taxes.

🍔
Business meals
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24b

If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!

If you leave town for work ...

Out-of-town work events like trade shows or industry conferences come with associated travel costs that you can write off on your taxes.

🛫
Transportation
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24a

Planes, trains, and car rentals are all work-related travel costs that can be written off.

🏨
Travel lodging
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24a

When you travel for work, lodging expenses such as hotel rooms or Airbnb are write offs.

🥡
Meals while traveling
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24a

When you're traveling for work, all meals are tax-deductible. Even takeout!

If you work from home ...

If you work from home on client development, lead generation, industry research, or paperwork and finance management, you can deduct home office expenses from your taxes.

🛋️
Home office furniture
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs.

🛠️
Property repairs
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 21

You can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property.

🔌
Power bill
Write it off using:

Form 8829

Gotta keep the lights on in your home office! A portion of your electricity bill counts.

🌪️
Property insurance
Write it off using:

Form 8829

Whether it's rental or homeowners insurance, you can write off a portion through your home office deduction.

🚰
Water bill
Write it off using:

Form 8829

It'd be hard to work in an office without running water, huh? You water bill counts.

🌐
Wi-Fi bill
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 25

Your Comcast bill is a tax write-off. You need internet to do your job!