Trades & Services

Tax help for house cleaners

Independent house cleaners deduct the supplies, equipment, and travel between homes that keep their business running.

Prepared by real tax specialists — with Enrolled Agent or CPA review when your return calls for it.

Self-employed cleaners report income on Schedule C and pay self-employment tax on net profit, often serving many residential clients directly.

Cleaning supplies, a vacuum and equipment, and mileage between client homes make up most deductions, and much of your income may arrive in cash or without a 1099.

Income you’ll report on: 1099-NEC.

Save money

Deductions for house cleaners

Most people in this line of work leave money on the table. Here's what we make sure to capture:

  • Cleaning supplies and solutions
  • Vacuums, mops, and cleaning equipment
  • Mileage between client homes (actual costs or standard mileage)
  • Gloves, masks, and protective gear
  • Advertising and listing fees on service platforms
  • Liability insurance and bonding
  • Laundry of cleaning cloths and uniforms
Watch out for

What makes your taxes different

  • Cash and app-based income is taxable even when no 1099 is issued
  • Travel from home to your first client of the day is generally commuting and not deductible
  • Equipment expected to last beyond a year may need to be depreciated rather than expensed up front
  • If you hire helpers as contractors, you may need to issue 1099-NEC forms
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Do house cleaners pay self-employment tax?

If you earn as an independent contractor, yes — self-employment tax is 15.3% (Social Security and Medicare) on your net profit, on top of regular income tax. You deduct half of it, and every business deduction lowers what you owe. We handle the calculation on Schedule SE.

What can house cleaners write off?

Common write-offs include cleaning supplies and solutions, vacuums, mops, and cleaning equipment, mileage between client homes (actual costs or standard mileage), gloves, masks, and protective gear, plus a share of your phone and any home-office use. We go through your year line by line so nothing legitimate gets missed.

Do house cleaners need to pay quarterly estimated taxes?

If you expect to owe $1,000 or more for the year, the IRS generally wants quarterly estimated payments to avoid an underpayment penalty. We calculate them so next April isn't a surprise.

Do I have to report income if I didn't get a 1099?

Yes. Your income is taxable whether or not a client or platform sent a 1099. We report it correctly and offset it with every deduction you qualify for.

Taxes handled · so you can get back to work.

Tell us what you've got and we'll come back within one business day with the plan and the price · from a preparer who knows your line of work.

Tell us what you’ve got