What can house cleaners deduct on taxes?

Self-employed house cleaners can deduct cleaning supplies and consumables, mileage between clients (70¢/mile in 2025), equipment like vacuums and steam cleaners (often fully via Section 179), liability insurance and bonding, advertising, the business portion of their phone, software fees, and work-only uniforms.

Do house cleaners pay self-employment tax?

Yes. If you clean independently and are paid on 1099s or in cash, you owe the full 15.3% self-employment tax on net profit once it reaches $400, plus income tax. Half of the SE tax is deductible as an adjustment to income.

Can house cleaners deduct mileage?

Yes — miles driven between client homes and to buy supplies are deductible at 70¢/mile for 2025 (or use actual vehicle expenses). Keep a log with dates, destinations and business purpose. Commuting from home to your first client and back from the last is not deductible.

How much should a house cleaner set aside for taxes?

About 20-30% of net income after deductions is a reasonable target depending on your bracket and state. Pay quarterly estimated taxes since no employer withholds for your self-employed income.

Self-Employment Tax Calculator for House Cleaners (2025)

How much tax does a self-employed cleaners / house cleaner pay? A cleaners / house cleaner earning $55,000 with about $12,000 in business expenses owes roughly $8,743 in total federal tax for 2025 — a 15.3% self-employment tax plus federal income tax — or about $2,186 per quarter. A common rule of thumb is to set aside 25–30% of net income for taxes. Use the calculator below for your own numbers and state.

Self-employed house cleaners and cleaning-business owners owe the full 15.3% self-employment tax plus income tax on net profit. This calculator estimates your bill and shows the deductions that reduce it.

Annual gross income (before expenses)

Total business expenses (incl. deductions below)

State

This tool provides estimates for educational purposes only and is not tax advice. Tax rules change; figures are based on 2025 federal rules. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.

Deductions Cleaners / House Cleaners often miss

Self-employed house cleaners commonly gross $35,000-$80,000 per year. You pay 15.3% SE tax on net profit plus income tax with no withholding — set aside roughly 20-30% and pay quarterly estimated taxes.

Cleaning supplies & consumables: Cleaners, chemicals, sponges, cloths, gloves, trash bags and paper products used on the job are fully deductible.
Mileage between clients: Driving between client homes and to supply stores is deductible at 70¢/mile (2025) or via actual vehicle expenses. Commuting from home to your first client is generally not deductible.
Equipment (Section 179): Vacuums, steam cleaners, floor machines and other durable equipment are deductible; qualifying purchases can be fully expensed the first year under Section 179.
Liability insurance & bonding: General liability premiums and bonding (common for cleaners who enter clients' homes) are deductible business expenses.
Advertising, phone & uniforms: Advertising and listings, the business-use portion of your phone, scheduling/payment software fees, and work-only uniforms are deductible.

Common tax mistakes for cleaners / house cleaners

Not tracking mileage between clients — often the biggest single deduction.
Failing to keep receipts for frequent small supply purchases.
Skipping quarterly estimated taxes and owing a lump sum plus penalties.
Not issuing 1099-NEC to subcontracted cleaners paid $600 or more during the year.

How self-employment tax works

As a self-employed cleaners / house cleaner, you pay a 15.3% self-employment tax (12.4% Social Security + 2.9% Medicare) on 92.35% of your net profit, plus federal and state income tax. A common rule of thumb is to set aside 25–30% of your net income for taxes.

Quarterly estimated tax deadlines (2025)

If you expect to owe $1,000 or more, the IRS requires quarterly estimated payments. For 2025 income the deadlines are: April 15, 2025; June 16, 2025; September 15, 2025; and January 15, 2026. Missing them can trigger underpayment penalties. The calculator above estimates your quarterly amount.

Frequently asked questions

What can house cleaners deduct on taxes?: Self-employed house cleaners can deduct cleaning supplies and consumables, mileage between clients (70¢/mile in 2025), equipment like vacuums and steam cleaners (often fully via Section 179), liability insurance and bonding, advertising, the business portion of their phone, software fees, and work-only uniforms.
Do house cleaners pay self-employment tax?: Yes. If you clean independently and are paid on 1099s or in cash, you owe the full 15.3% self-employment tax on net profit once it reaches $400, plus income tax. Half of the SE tax is deductible as an adjustment to income.
Can house cleaners deduct mileage?: Yes — miles driven between client homes and to buy supplies are deductible at 70¢/mile for 2025 (or use actual vehicle expenses). Keep a log with dates, destinations and business purpose. Commuting from home to your first client and back from the last is not deductible.
How much should a house cleaner set aside for taxes?: About 20-30% of net income after deductions is a reasonable target depending on your bracket and state. Pay quarterly estimated taxes since no employer withholds for your self-employed income.