If you're a lifeguard, whether you're self-employed or working freelance, there are a plethora of tax write-offs and deductions you might not be aware of. These can significantly reduce your taxable income, leaving more money in your pocket at the end of the day. Let's dive in!
1. Business Meals
Did you know that meals during business meetings or meals while traveling for work can be written off? This includes any food or beverages purchased during these times. So, next time you're grabbing a bite between shifts or meeting with a potential client, keep those receipts!
How to write it off: Report it on Schedule C, Box 24b.
2. Car Insurance & Registration
If you use your car for work-related activities, such as traveling to different beaches or pools, you can write off your car insurance and registration fees. This can be a significant deduction, especially if you're on the road a lot.
How to write it off: Report it on Schedule C, Box 15.
3. Car Maintenance
Just like insurance and registration, the costs of maintaining your car for work purposes can also be deducted. This includes things like oil changes, tire rotations, and other routine maintenance.
How to write it off: Report it on Schedule C, Box 9.
4. Car Purchase & Depreciation
If you've purchased a car specifically for your work as a lifeguard, you can write off the cost of the car and its depreciation. This can be a significant deduction, especially in the first few years of owning the car.
How to write it off: Report it on Schedule C, Box 13.
5. CPR Training
As a lifeguard, CPR training is essential. The cost of this training can be written off, including any refresher courses you may need to take. This can also include other necessary training courses.
How to write it off: Report it on Schedule C, Box 27a.
6. Home Office Furniture
If you have a home office where you do administrative work related to your lifeguarding job, you can write off the cost of the furniture in that office. This includes desks, chairs, and other necessary items.
How to write it off: Report it on Schedule C, Box 18.
7. Lifeguard Uniform
Your lifeguard uniform, including any necessary equipment like whistles or flotation devices, can be written off. This can also include any necessary cleaning or maintenance of the uniform.
How to write it off: Report it on Schedule C, Box 27a.
8. Meals While Traveling
If you're traveling for work, whether it's to a different beach or to a lifeguarding conference, you can write off the cost of your meals. This can be a significant deduction if you travel frequently.
How to write it off: Report it on Schedule C, Box 24a.
9. Medical Supplies
As a lifeguard, you likely have a variety of medical supplies on hand for emergencies. These can all be written off, including things like bandages, antiseptics, and even defibrillators.
How to write it off: Report it on Schedule C, Box 22.
10. Parking
If you have to pay for parking while on the job, you can write off these costs. This includes parking at beaches, pools, or other locations where you work.
How to write it off: Report it on Schedule C, Box 27a.
11. Power Bill
If you use a portion of your home for your work as a lifeguard, you can write off a portion of your power bill. This can include the cost of running a home office or storing and maintaining equipment.
How to write it off: Report it on Form 8829.
12. Property Insurance
If you own property that you use for your work as a lifeguard, you can write off the cost of insuring that property. This can include a home office, storage space for equipment, or even a pool or beachfront property.
How to write it off: Report it on Form 8829.
13. Property Repairs
Any repairs you make to property used for your work can be written off. This can include repairs to a home office, equipment storage, or even a pool or beachfront property.
How to write it off: Report it on Schedule C, Box 21.
14. Rescue Equipment
All the rescue equipment you need for your job as a lifeguard can be written off. This includes things like flotation devices, rescue boards, and even jet skis if they're used for rescues.
How to write it off: Report it on Schedule C, Box 22.
15. Sunscreen & Protection
As a lifeguard, protecting your skin from the sun is essential. You can write off the cost of sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and other sun protection items.
How to write it off: Report it on Schedule C, Box 27a.
16. Tolls
If you have to pay tolls while traveling for work, these can be written off. This can include tolls on highways, bridges, or tunnels.
How to write it off: Report it on Schedule C, Box 27a.
17. Transportation
Any transportation costs related to your work as a lifeguard can be written off. This can include gas, car maintenance, public transportation fares, and even airfare for work-related travel.
How to write it off: Report it on Schedule C, Box 24a.
18. Travel Lodging
If you have to travel for work and stay overnight, you can write off the cost of your lodging. This can include hotels, motels, or even Airbnb rentals.
How to write it off: Report it on Schedule C, Box 24a.
19. Vehicle Tool Kit
If you have a tool kit in your vehicle for work-related purposes, you can write off the cost of this kit. This can include tools for repairing equipment, first aid supplies, or other necessary items.
How to write it off: Report it on Schedule C, Box 22.
20. Water Bill
If you use a portion of your home for your work as a lifeguard, you can write off a portion of your water bill. This can include the cost of maintaining a pool or washing equipment.
How to write it off: Report it on Form 8829.
21. Wi-Fi Bill
If you use your home Wi-Fi for work-related activities, you can write off a portion of your Wi-Fi bill. This can include researching training techniques, communicating with clients, or even streaming music for classes or events.
How to write it off: Report it on Schedule C, Box 25.
I started working for myself at 9. My first tax bill showed up at 14. I didn’t understand it, and nobody around me could really explain it. If you’ve been there, you get it. Twenty years later, after creative directing for brands in New York and buying and selling a few companies, I kept seeing the same thing: smart, talented people losing money to a system that wasn’t built for how they work. That’s why I built WorkMade. Not to make taxes “easier to understand” but to make them disappear into the background, so you can get on with your life.