House Cleaner Taxes:
Every Deduction for Self-Employed Cleaners

Your Tax Status as a Self-Employed House Cleaner

As a self-employed independent contractor, you are responsible for your own taxes. This means:

• No taxes withheld from client payments
• You owe 15.3% self-employment tax on net earnings
• You must make quarterly estimated payments if you expect to owe $1,000+
• You report income on Schedule C
• You can deduct all legitimate business expenses
• Set aside 25-30% of net income for taxes

Every Tax Deduction You Can Claim

Don't Miss These Deductions

1. QBI Deduction — 20% of Net Income

The Qualified Business Income deduction lets eligible self-employed workers deduct up to 20% of net business income from federal taxable income. Now permanent under the One Big Beautiful Bill (2025). Most 1099 workers earning under $200K qualify in full.

2. 50% of Self-Employment Tax

You can deduct half of your self-employment tax (15.3%) as an above-the-line deduction on Form 1040. This reduces your taxable income — most self-employed workers miss this.

3. Health Insurance Premiums

If you pay for your own health, dental, or vision insurance and aren't eligible for coverage through a spouse's employer plan, 100% of premiums are deductible.

4. Retirement Contributions

Contributions to a SEP-IRA (up to 25% of net income), Solo 401(k), or SIMPLE IRA are fully deductible and reduce your taxable income significantly.

Quarterly Estimated Tax Deadlines

Quarter	Income Period	Due Date
Q1 2026	Jan 1 – Mar 31	April 15, 2026
Q2 2026	Apr 1 – May 31	June 16, 2026
Q3 2026	Jun 1 – Aug 31	September 15, 2026
Q4 2026	Sep 1 – Dec 31	January 15, 2027

Frequently Asked Questions

Can house cleaners deduct cleaning supplies?

Yes — all cleaning products, supplies, and materials used for your cleaning business are fully deductible. This includes spray bottles, mops, vacuums, cleaning solutions, microfiber cloths, and any other supplies purchased for client jobs.

Are mileage deductions available for house cleaners?

Yes. Miles driven between client homes are deductible business miles at 72.5¢/mile (2026). Commuting from your home to your first client is not deductible, but driving between clients throughout the day is. Keep a mileage log.

Do I need an LLC to deduct these expenses?

No. Sole proprietors — which is the default status for most independent contractors — can claim all these deductions on Schedule C. An LLC doesn't change your deduction eligibility.