What utilities expenses are tax deductible?

Asked by: Kareem Heidenreich  |  Last update: January 29, 2026
Score: 4.6/5 (41 votes)

These can include, but are not limited to, electricity, gas, water, internet, and phone services. The cost of these services can often be written off, or deducted, from a self-employed individual's taxable income, thereby reducing their overall tax liability.

What bills can I claim on my taxes?

If you itemize, you can deduct these expenses:
  • Bad debts.
  • Canceled debt on home.
  • Capital losses.
  • Donations to charity.
  • Gains from sale of your home.
  • Gambling losses.
  • Home mortgage interest.
  • Income, sales, real estate and personal property taxes.

What does IRS consider utilities?

Housing and Utilities standards include mortgage or rent, property taxes, interest, insurance, maintenance, repairs, gas, electric, water, heating oil, garbage collection, residential telephone service, cell phone service, cable television, and Internet service.

Can a water bill be claimed on taxes?

WATER AND SEWER CHARGES ARE NOT DEDUCTIBLE.

Can I deduct my internet bill on my taxes?

Internet bills are one of the work from home tax deductions self-employed individuals can take. Utilities are considered a home business tax deduction. When deducting a cell phone for business, you can only write off the business use portion.

What is a Tax Write-Off and Tax Deduction for Small Businesses?

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How much of my electric bill can I write-off?

Electricity and Gas Write-offs

The amount of the write-off for these utilities is determined by the percentage of the home that is used for business purposes. For example, if 20% of your home is used for business, you can write off 20% of your electricity and gas costs.

How much of your cell phone bill can you deduct?

What can I deduct for cell phone use? You can 30% of the data, messaging, and talk costs related to business. ¹ To deduct the expense, you would need to calculate the business-use percentage of the cell phone on a month-by-month basis.

What are considered utilities for tax purposes?

Whether you work from your home office, a dedicated space, your car, or even just own a rental property, your business utility expenses including electricity, gas, water, telephone and internet will likely be deductible.

What home expenses are tax deductible?

Deductible house-related expenses
  • Insurance including fire and comprehensive coverage and title insurance.
  • The amount applied to reduce the principal of the mortgage.
  • Wages paid to domestic help.
  • Depreciation.
  • The cost of utilities, such as gas, electricity or water.
  • Most settlement or closing costs.

Is a plumbing bill tax deductible?

While most routine plumbing repairs are not tax-deductible, there are certain situations where you can claim these costs on your taxes. Remember, the key is understanding the difference between repairs and improvements and consulting with a tax professional for guidance.

What falls under utility bills?

A utility bill is a statement of the amount owed for essential services or utilities. Typically, utilities include electricity, water, and gas bills. You can also add sewage, trash, and recycling, as well as TV, internet, phone, and streaming services to the list.

What medical items are tax deductible?

You can include in medical expenses the amount you pay for a legal abortion.
  • Acupuncture. You can include in medical expenses the amount you pay for acupuncture. ...
  • Ambulance. You can include in medical expenses amounts you pay for ambulance service. ...
  • Artificial Limb. ...
  • Bandages. ...
  • Body Scan. ...
  • Breast Pumps and Supplies.

What is the IRS 6 year rule?

6 years - If you don't report income that you should have reported, and it's more than 25% of the gross income shown on the return, or it's attributable to foreign financial assets and is more than $5,000, the time to assess tax is 6 years from the date you filed the return.

How to get $7000 tax refund?

Who can claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)?
  1. Have investment income of less than $11,600 in tax year 2024.
  2. Have a valid Social Security number by the due date of your 2024 return.
  3. Be a U.S. citizen or resident alien for the entire year.
  4. Not file Form 2555 (foreign earned income)

How much can I claim without receipts?

$300 maximum claims rule

This rule states that if the total of your work-related expenses is $300 or less (not including car, travel, and overtime meal expenses, which can be claimed separately), you can claim the total amount as a tax deduction without receipts.

What qualifies for itemized deductions?

Itemized deductions, subject to certain dollar limitations, include amounts you paid, during the taxable year, for state and local income or sales taxes, real property taxes, personal property taxes, mortgage interest, disaster losses, gifts to charities, and medical and dental expenses.

What bills can I write off on my taxes?

Deductions subtracted from your gross income to calculate your adjusted gross income are known as “Above-the-line” deductions.
  • Retirement contributions and Traditional IRA deductions. ...
  • Student loan interest deduction. ...
  • Self-employment expenses. ...
  • Home office tax deductions. ...
  • HSA contributions. ...
  • Alimony paid. ...
  • Educator expenses.

What homeowner expenses are not deductible?

Your house payment.

Some nondeductible expenses that may be included in your house payment include: Fire or homeowner's insurance premiums, Mortgage insurance premiums, and. The amount applied to reduce the principal of the mortgage.

Can I claim my electric bill on my taxes?

You can write off a percentage of your electricity bill that is equal to the percentage of space that your office occupies in your home. For example, if your home office occupies 20% of the space (square footage) in your home, then 20% of your electricity bill can be used as a tax deduction.

Can you write off your water bill on your taxes?

That is your personal expense. Utility bills for you personal residence are not deductible.

Is home insurance tax deductible?

You may look for ways to reduce costs including turning to your tax return. Some taxpayers have asked if homeowner's insurance is tax deductible. Here's the skinny: You can only deduct homeowner's insurance premiums paid on rental properties. Homeowner's insurance is never tax deductible your main home.

Is a cell phone bill considered a utility?

A utility bill is a monthly payment due for essential services. Public utilities include electricity, water, and natural gas, waste management, recycling, and wastewater. Although some may not think of them as essential utilities, bills such as landline, cell phone and Internet services are also considered utilities.

How much of my internet bill can I write off?

You can only write off 40% of your internet bill.

Is car insurance tax deductible?

If you only use your car for personal use, then you likely can't deduct your car insurance premiums from your taxable income. Generally, you need to use your vehicle for business-related reasons (other than as an employee) to deduct part of your car insurance premiums as a business expense.

What type of expense is food?

Operating Expenses

For businesses that provide food as part of their service, such as restaurants or catering companies, food will usually be classified as an operating expense.