Top 5 Tax Deductions Every Freelance Landscaper Should Claim

As a freelance landscaper, you already know how tough it is to manage expenses while growing your business. But did you know there are several tax deductions that can help reduce your taxable income? From equipment costs to business insurance, let’s dive into the top five deductions every landscaping entrepreneur should take advantage of.

1. Business Insurance Premiums

Why It’s Deductible: The IRS considers business insurance a necessary business expense, which means your premiums are fully deductible.

Relevant Coverages for Landscapers:
✔ General Liability Insurance – Covers property damage or injuries to clients caused by your work (e.g., a client trips over your hose and gets injured).
✔ Commercial Auto Insurance – If you use a work truck or trailer for business, you can deduct the insurance costs.
✔ Workers’ Compensation Insurance – If you hire subcontractors or employees, you’re legally required to have this in many states, and it’s deductible.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep receipts and policy documents to justify your deduction in case of an IRS audit.

2. Equipment & Tools

Why It’s Deductible: The cost of purchasing and maintaining landscaping tools and machinery is considered a business expense.

What You Can Deduct:
✔ Lawn mowers, trimmers, leaf blowers, chainsaws, and other tools
✔ Safety gear like gloves, goggles, and boots
✔ Repair and maintenance costs for equipment

💡 Pro Tip: Larger equipment purchases may need to be depreciated over several years, but smaller tools can typically be deducted in full in the same year.

3. Vehicle Expenses

Why It’s Deductible: If you use your vehicle primarily for business, you can deduct mileage, fuel, maintenance, and even insurance costs.

Ways to Deduct:
✔ Standard Mileage Deduction – In 2024, you can deduct $0.67 per mile driven for business.
✔ Actual Expenses – This includes fuel, repairs, lease payments, and depreciation.

💡 Pro Tip: Use an app or logbook to track business-related miles to maximize your deduction while staying IRS-compliant.

4. Marketing & Advertising

Why It’s Deductible: Any money spent to promote your business is considered a marketing expense, making it fully deductible.

Common Deductible Expenses:
✔ Business website & domain hosting
✔ Paid ads (Google, Facebook, Instagram, Yelp)
✔ Business cards, flyers, and signage

💡 Pro Tip: Investing in a strong online presence can bring in more clients while reducing your taxable income. Win-win!

5. Home Office Deduction

Why It’s Deductible: If you run your landscaping business from home, you may qualify for the home office deduction—but only if the space is used exclusively for business.

What’s Covered:
✔ A percentage of your rent/mortgage
✔ Utilities like electricity and internet
✔ Office furniture and supplies

💡 Pro Tip: The simplified home office deduction allows you to deduct $5 per square foot of office space, up to 300 square feet ($1,500 max deduction).

Final Thoughts: Save More, Protect Your Business

Freelance landscapers work hard for their income—so why pay more taxes than necessary? Claiming these five deductions can help you keep more of your earnings while also ensuring your business is fully protected with the right insurance.

💰 Want to learn how business insurance can help you save? Get a fast, affordable quote today with Bunker! If you’re interested in learning more please visit buildbunker.com or contact us at support@buildbunker.com!