Tax guide for cleaning businesses

Tax deductions for cleaning businesses

What house cleaners and small cleaning companies can usually write off, from supplies to the drive between clients.

Published by Cadus Labs LLC · Last updated November 9, 2026 · How we write these guides

Based on IRS Publication 334, the Instructions for Schedule C, and IRS Publication 463.

Common write-offs

A cost generally has to be ordinary and necessary for your work, and if you also use something personally, only the business share counts.

Common business deductions for cleaning businesses
ExpenseHow it's usually handled
Cleaning suppliesProducts you use up in the business
Vacuums and equipmentGenerally depreciated. Without an applicable financial statement, you can elect to deduct items up to $2,500 each under the de minimis safe harbor
Mileage between clientsStandard mileage rate or actual car costs
Liability insurance and bondingDeductible as a business insurance cost
Helpers paid as contractorsContract labor. You may need to file Form 1099-NEC at $2,000 or more for 2026
Work clothesOnly if they're required and not suitable for everyday wear
Phone and booking softwareThe business share of your phone, and the software you pay for

Employee or contractor?

Cleaners who work the schedule you set, with your supplies, may be employees rather than contractors. The difference changes your tax duties, so check the IRS worker classification rules before you pay someone on a 1099.

Keep the proof as you go

Keep receipts, invoices, and bank records for everything you deduct, and log business miles as you drive them. IRS Publication 463 says you can't deduct amounts you approximate or estimate. Cadus keeps receipts, bank transactions, and mileage together, sorted into Schedule C categories.

Recordkeeping checklist

Save a receipt or invoice for every business purchase.
Log business miles as you drive them.
Separate business and personal use of shared items.
Ask a tax professional about large equipment purchases.

Free tools for this

Calculator

1099 and Self-Employment Tax Calculator

Enter your 1099 income and business expenses to estimate self-employment tax, federal income tax, and what to set aside each quarter. No sign-up, and nothing you type is saved.

Calculator

Free Invoice Generator

Fill in your details and line items, then download a clean PDF to send your client. No account needed, and nothing you type leaves your browser.

Template

Business Expense Log Template

Copy this table to start organizing business purchases, receipt proof, categories, and business purpose before moving records into Cadus.

Template

Receipt Tracker Template

Use this receipt tracker to see which purchases have proof, which receipts are missing, and which items still need review.

Official sources

IRS Publication 334IRS Instructions for Schedule CIRS Publication 463

Related guides

Self-employed tax guide

Self-Employed Tax Deductions

What you can write off when you're self-employed: mileage, home office, phone, supplies, meals, insurance, and more, with the IRS rules and limits.

Schedule C education

Schedule C Expense Categories

Every Schedule C expense line in plain English: what goes on each one, what doesn't, and the records to keep for self-employed workers.

Estimated tax guide

Quarterly Estimated Taxes

2026 estimated tax due dates, who has to pay, how to avoid the penalty, and a worked example for a self-employed worker earning $60,000.

Cleaning Businesses Deductions FAQ

Can house cleaners deduct mileage?

Yes, for drives between clients. Commuting from home to a regular place of work isn't deductible, so ask a tax professional how your first and last trips count.

Can I deduct cleaning supplies?

Yes. Keep the receipts, and separate anything you buy for your own home.

Cadus educational content is not tax, legal, or accounting advice. Tax rules can change, and individual facts matter. Review official guidance or speak with a qualified tax professional before filing.