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Can I Deduct My Cleaning Man Or Woman?

Can I Deduct My Cleaning Man Or Woman?

By:

Mark Perlberg

Published:

September 1, 2023

Updated:

October 14, 2026

1 min read

Are you getting the most out of your home-office deduction? If you’ve got a cleaning woman (or man) who keeps your house and office spic and span,do you need to pay a “Nanny Tax” on this service or can you classify this expense as a Independent Contractor?

The cleaning person is an independent contractor or an employee if:

  • The cleaner clean as he or she sees fit, with little or no direction.
  • The cleaner provides his or her own supplies.
  • This person cleans many houses.

If so,  your cleaning person can be classified as an independent contractor.  The freedom to exercise professional judgment offers strong evidence for this classification. The ownership and supply of the cleaning equipment further supports an independent contractor classification. Plus,  working for multiple clients suggests that he or she is an independent contractor.

Key Takeaway
You don't have to choose between your financial goals. Start by taking advantage of available employer benefits, then balance your remaining savings between short-term priorities and long-term financial growth. Keep money needed in the near term in an appropriate low-risk option, and consider the tax implications before using long-term savings.

If you paid  $780 or more to clean your office throughout the year, you’ll need to provide him or her with a 1099-NEC. You’re not liable for the nanny tax because of the independent contractor status with respect to cleaning your home. One warning: if you don’t file Form 1099-NEC, you may trigger an intentional disregard penalty of $630 or more for each failed 1099-NEC.

Can this be useful if you are a House Hacker? Visit my Youtube channel to find out: (581) Tax Write-Offs for House Hackers – YouTube

About the author

Mark Perlberg

Certified Tax Planner

Mark Perlberg is a CPA, Certified Tax Planner, and specializes in helping real estate investors and entrepreneurs achieve their financial goals through strategic tax planning. He has been a CPA since 2015, and since 2019, has served hundreds of entrepreneurs to create tax plans with savings as high as $2.5 Million in a single year through advanced planning methods. Mark and his team collaborate closely with clients to understand their unique goals and circumstances, evaluating all sources of past, present, and future financial events to guide them toward the most advantageous business and financial decisions. Originally from New York and now based in Atlanta, Mark is also a passionate foodie and a world traveler.

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