Although house sitting isn’t discussed as much as other jobs, it can still be a good source of income. There’s always someone going on vacation and will need their house watched. This will usually include their pets and plants. As a self-employed or independent house sitter, here are some common house-sitting expenses to help you maximize your tax write-offs!
All expenses related to the design and marketing of your business are tax deductible such as online ads, billboards, and business cards.
Service fees paid to the bank through your business bank account related to operating your business are tax deductible.
You can deduct the insurance cost related to your trade or business. For example, liability, credit, and loss insurance are tax deductible.
Wages you pay to contractors and consultants are tax deductible.
Legal fees from your accountant or attorney directly related to operating your business are tax deductible.
Work-related expenses for licenses and membership organizations are generally tax deductible.
If you use your phone for work, the purchase and monthly bill are tax deductible.
Accessories for your work phone, such as USB charging cables, are tax deductible.
Fees for conferences, seminars, and professional events are tax deductible.
Supplies you buy for the office and materials used for work are tax deductible (paper, printer ink, wood, nails, etc.).
Standard business equipment and tools used for work are tax deductible.
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Advertising your business or looking for contract work should be done in a dedicated office space. That way, you’ll be able to claim these home office deductions when operating your business from home. It doesn’t have to be a dedicated room–even a small desk works!
Expenses related to maintaining and improving your office space are tax deductible. For example, floor repairs or repainting the office room walls.
You can deduct necessary furniture and equipment used to run your business.
A part of your house rent is tax deductible if it’s used only for business purposes.
Business expenses for electricity, water, heating, waste, and internet are all tax deductible.
The cost of running your business’ website is tax deductible. This includes website hosting and domain fees.
You’ll often be driving from client to client or visiting a client’s house for business. Track these actual car expenses if you don’t plan to use the standard mileage deduction.
Gas for your business vehicle is tax deductible.
License and registration fees required to drive your business vehicle are tax deductible.
Business-related parking and toll fees are both tax-deductible expenses. However, parking fees paid to park at your workplace are not deductible.
Roadside assistance expenses are tax deductible. If you have a roadside assistance plan, it’s tax-deductible if your insurance plan doesn’t include it.
The insurance cost for your business vehicle is tax deductible.
Repairs and costs to maintain your business vehicle are tax deductible.
If you’re meeting other house sitters or clients to discuss business, those meals are tax deductible. There are also a few tax write-offs when traveling away from home for business purposes. For example, house-sitting for someone outside your city requires you to stay at a hotel when you’re not watching the house. So for those hotel and transportation costs, write it off!
You can deduct half the cost of meals with clients and meals purchased while out of town on business trips.
Transportation and accommodation expenses when traveling for work are tax deductible.
The cost of staying at hotels and rental properties (like Airbnb) is tax deductible.
