Can I deduct materials I buy for a plumbing job?

Yes — materials purchased for a specific job are deductible as cost of goods sold. Materials kept in stock are deducted when used. Keep job-level records of what you purchased and used.

Is my work van 100% deductible?

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

Can I deduct the cost of a plumber's apprentice or helper?

If you pay a helper as a W-2 employee, wages are deductible on Schedule C, Line 26. If they're a 1099 subcontractor, payments are deductible on Line 11. File a 1099-NEC for any sub paid $600+.

What about office space if I run the business from home?

If you use a dedicated space in your home exclusively for scheduling jobs, managing invoices, and running the administrative side of your business, the home office deduction applies.

Schedule C · Self-Employed

Tax Write-Offs for Plumbers

Self-employed plumbers and plumbing contractors have some of the highest deduction potential of any trade profession. Tools, truck, licensing, insurance, and materials all reduce your taxable income — most plumbers who track their expenses save between $4,000 and $7,000 per year.

Avg. annual savings$4,800

Track My Plumber Write-Offs — $14/mo

Top 6 Tax Write-Offs for Plumbers

Plumbing Tools & Equipment

100% deductible

Pipe wrenches, tubing cutters, drain snakes, pipe inspection cameras, soldering equipment, and all hand tools and power tools used on plumbing jobs. Section 179 allows full expensing in year one.

Schedule C, Line 13

Work Truck & Mileage

100% deductible

Vehicle used to travel to job sites, supply houses, and client consultations. Track miles at $0.70/mile (2025 IRS rate) or deduct actual costs including gas, insurance, maintenance, and depreciation.

Schedule C, Line 9

Plumber's License & Permit Fees

100% deductible

State and local plumbing license fees, renewal costs, and per-job permit fees. Continuing education required to maintain your license is also deductible.

Schedule C, Line 23

Business Insurance

100% deductible

General liability insurance, workers' compensation, and any professional indemnity coverage. These protect your business and are fully deductible in the year premiums are paid.

Schedule C, Line 15

Work Clothing & PPE

100% deductible

Work uniforms, safety boots, knee pads, gloves, safety glasses, and any protective clothing required for plumbing work that is not suitable for everyday wear.

Schedule C, Line 27a

Advertising & Marketing

100% deductible

Google Ads, Yelp advertising, Angi/HomeAdvisor membership fees, door hangers, business cards, and your business website hosting and maintenance costs.

Schedule C, Line 8

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not separating material costs from your labor rate — materials are cost of goods sold and should be tracked separately.
Forgetting annual license renewal fees — these are required and 100% deductible.
Missing deductions for advertising (Angi, Yelp, Google Ads) — these are significant for most plumbers.
Not using Section 179 for large equipment purchases — elect immediate expensing instead of multi-year depreciation.

Recordkeeping Tips

Log every job with client name, location, materials used, and business miles driven.
Keep a separate business bank account and credit card to simplify expense tracking.
Save digital copies of all permit receipts and license renewals.
Review your Angi/HomeAdvisor billing statements — annual membership fees are easy to forget.

Frequently Asked Questions

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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.