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Tax Write Offs And Deductions For Dog Walkers

As a dog walker, there are numerous expenses you can write off on your taxes. From dog treats to car maintenance, here's a list of tax deductions that can help you save money.

1. Bicycle

As a dog walker, your bicycle is more than just a mode of transportation, it's a vital tool for your business. Whether you're cycling to meet a new client or taking a pack of dogs for a ride, your bicycle is a necessary expense. It's not just the initial cost of the bicycle that can be written off, but also any maintenance or upgrades you need to keep it in top shape.

How to write it off: Report this expense on Schedule C, Box 27a of your tax return.

2. Business meals

Ever had a lunch meeting with a potential client or a dinner to discuss business with a fellow dog walker? These meals can be considered business expenses. Just remember to keep your receipts and note the purpose of the meal.

How to write it off: You can deduct these expenses on Schedule C, Box 24b of your tax return.

3. Car insurance & registration

If you use your car for your dog walking business, such as driving to clients' homes or transporting dogs, you can write off your car insurance and registration fees. These costs are considered necessary business expenses.

How to write it off: Report these expenses on Schedule C, Box 15 of your tax return.

4. Car maintenance

Keeping your car in good condition is crucial when you're a dog walker. Whether it's regular oil changes or unexpected repairs, these costs can add up. Luckily, they can be written off as business expenses.

How to write it off: You can deduct these expenses on Schedule C, Box 9 of your tax return.

5. Car purchase & depreciation

If you've purchased a car specifically for your dog walking business, you can write off the cost. Additionally, you can also claim the depreciation of your car over time as a business expense.

How to write it off: Report these expenses on Schedule C, Box 13 of your tax return.

6. Dog toys

Dog toys are not just fun, they're also a business expense. Whether you're using them to entertain dogs during walks or as a way to attract new clients, these costs can be written off.

How to write it off: You can deduct these expenses on Schedule C, Box 22 of your tax return.

7. Dog treats

Dog treats are another necessary expense for a dog walker. They can be used as rewards during training, or as a way to build rapport with a new client's dog. These costs can be written off as a business expense.

How to write it off: Report these expenses on Schedule C, Box 22 of your tax return.

8. Home office furniture

If you run your dog walking business from home, any furniture you buy for your home office can be written off. This includes desks, chairs, and even filing cabinets to keep track of your paperwork.

How to write it off: You can deduct these expenses on Schedule C, Box 18 of your tax return.

9. Leashes & harnesses

Leashes and harnesses are essential tools for any dog walker. Whether you're buying them for the dogs you walk regularly or keeping extras on hand for emergencies, these costs can be written off.

How to write it off: Report these expenses on Schedule C, Box 22 of your tax return.

10. Meals while traveling

If your dog walking business takes you out of town, you can write off the cost of meals while you're on the road. This can be a significant saving, especially if you travel frequently for your business.

How to write it off: You can deduct these expenses on Schedule C, Box 24a of your tax return.

11. Parking

Parking fees can add up, especially if you're frequently visiting clients in areas where free parking is hard to find. These costs can be written off as a business expense.

How to write it off: Report these expenses on Schedule C, Box 27a of your tax return.

12. Phone bill

If you use your phone for your dog walking business, you can write off a portion of your phone bill. This includes both the cost of the phone itself and the monthly service fees.

How to write it off: You can deduct these expenses on Schedule C, Box 27a of your tax return.

13. Poo bags

As a dog walker, poo bags are a necessary and ongoing expense. These costs can be written off as a business expense, helping you to save money.

How to write it off: Report these expenses on Schedule C, Box 22 of your tax return.

14. Power bill

If you run your dog walking business from home, a portion of your power bill can be written off. This includes the cost of powering your home office and any other areas of your home used for your business.

How to write it off: You can deduct these expenses on Form 8829 of your tax return.

15. Property insurance

If you have property insurance for your home office or any other property used for your dog walking business, you can write off these costs. This can be a significant saving, especially if you own a lot of business-related property.

How to write it off: You can deduct these expenses on Form 8829 of your tax return.

16. Property repairs

If you've had to make repairs to your home office or any other property used for your dog walking business, these costs can be written off. This includes both minor repairs and major renovations.

How to write it off: Report these expenses on Schedule C, Box 21 of your tax return.

17. Public transportation

If you use public transportation for your dog walking business, such as buses or trains, you can write off these costs. This includes both regular fares and any special tickets or passes you need to buy.

How to write it off: You can deduct these expenses on Schedule C, Box 27a of your tax return.

18. Rain gear

As a dog walker, you can't let a little rain stop you from doing your job. Rain gear, like waterproof jackets and boots, are necessary expenses that can be written off.

How to write it off: Report these expenses on Schedule C, Box 27a of your tax return.

19. Tolls

If your dog walking routes take you through toll roads, these costs can be written off. This includes both regular tolls and any special passes or tickets you need to buy.

How to write it off: You can deduct these expenses on Schedule C, Box 27a of your tax return.

20. Transportation

Any transportation costs related to your dog walking business can be written off. This includes everything from car expenses to public transportation fares.

How to write it off: You can deduct these expenses on Schedule C, Box 24a of your tax return.

21. Travel lodging

If your dog walking business takes you out of town, you can write off the cost of your lodging. This can be a significant saving, especially if you travel frequently for your business.

How to write it off: You can deduct these expenses on Schedule C, Box 24a of your tax return.

22. Vehicle tool kit

A vehicle tool kit is a necessary expense for any dog walker who uses their car for business. Whether it's for minor repairs or emergency situations, these costs can be written off.

How to write it off: Report these expenses on Schedule C, Box 22 of your tax return.

23. Water bill

If you run your dog walking business from home, a portion of your water bill can be written off. This includes the cost of water used in your home office and any other areas of your home used for your business.

How to write it off: You can deduct these expenses on Form 8829 of your tax return.

24. Wi-Fi bill

If you use Wi-Fi for your dog walking business, you can write off a portion of your bill. This includes both the cost of the service itself and any equipment you need to access it.

How to write it off: You can deduct these expenses on Schedule C, Box 25 of your tax return.

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