Can I deduct materials I buy for a job?

Yes — materials purchased for specific jobs are deductible as cost of goods sold. Track them per job so you can accurately report your gross income minus direct costs.

Is my truck 100% deductible?

If used exclusively for business, yes. Use the standard mileage rate ($0.70/mile in 2025) or actual vehicle costs. If you also use it personally, only the business-use percentage is deductible.

What if I hire a helper occasionally?

Payments to a 1099 subcontractor are deductible on Schedule C, Line 11. For a helper you pay regularly with tax withholding, they'd be a W-2 employee and wages go on Line 26. Issue a 1099-NEC for any sub paid $600+/year.

Do I need a contractor's license to deduct business expenses?

No — the IRS does not require a license to deduct business expenses. However, operating without required local licensing may create legal issues. Either way, your business expenses are deductible once you're earning self-employment income.

Schedule C · Self-Employed

Tax Write-Offs for Handymen & Home Repair Professionals

Self-employed handymen, home repair professionals, and general contractors who work independently file on Schedule C. Tools, truck, materials, insurance, and licensing are your biggest deductions — and with proper expense tracking, most handymen save $4,000–$7,000 per year.

Avg. annual savings$4,600

Track My Handyman Write-Offs — $14/mo

Top 6 Tax Write-Offs for Handymen & Home Repair Professionals

Tools & Equipment

100% deductible

Hand tools, power drills, saws, levels, nail guns, compressors, ladders, and all equipment used on jobs. Use Section 179 to deduct the full cost in the year of purchase rather than depreciating.

Schedule C, Line 13

Work Truck & Vehicle

100% deductible

Business miles driven to job sites, supply runs, and client estimates. Use the standard mileage rate ($0.70/mile in 2025) or deduct actual vehicle costs including gas, insurance, and maintenance.

Schedule C, Line 9

Materials & Supplies

100% deductible

Lumber, drywall, paint, screws, fixtures, and all materials purchased for specific jobs. These are cost of goods sold and reduce your taxable income directly.

Schedule C, Line 38

Business Insurance

100% deductible

General liability insurance, tools and equipment floater, and any surety bond required by clients or local licensing. Insurance premiums are fully deductible.

Schedule C, Line 15

Advertising & Lead Generation

100% deductible

Angi (HomeAdvisor), Thumbtack, Google Local Services Ads, Nextdoor ads, Yelp advertising, magnetic truck signs, and business cards are all deductible marketing costs.

Schedule C, Line 8

Work Clothing & PPE

100% deductible

Work boots, knee pads, safety glasses, gloves, work pants, and any protective equipment or work clothing not suitable for everyday wear.

Schedule C, Line 27a

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not separating material costs from your invoice total — materials are COGS, not revenue.
Missing Angi/Thumbtack annual fees — lead generation platform memberships are fully deductible.
Forgetting Section 179 for tools — elect immediate expensing instead of multi-year depreciation.
Not tracking vehicle miles between job sites — each client trip is deductible business travel.

Recordkeeping Tips

Keep a job log: client name, location, date, miles driven, materials purchased.
Save all supply receipts from Home Depot, Lowe's, and other hardware stores.
Keep your Angi/Thumbtack membership and lead purchase receipts.
Document tool purchases with photos and receipts for Section 179 expensing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Professions

electricians plumbers landscapers

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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. Consult a qualified CPA or tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.