Is Dry Cleaning Tax Deductible?

Tax season can leave you asking lots of questions, especially about what you can and can’t deduct. If you spend a lot on dry cleaning for work, it might seem logical to save money by deducting those costs. After all, laundry bills can pile up fast, especially if your job requires you to maintain a polished appearance or wear specific clothes. 

This blog will answer a commonly-asked question: Can you deduct dry cleaning expenses on your taxes? We’ll break it down based on your situation. Whether you're an employee, wear a uniform, or own a business, understanding the rules can save you time and potential frustration when filing your taxes. 

Can I Deduct Dry Cleaning Costs If My Employer Requires Me to Wear a Suit? 

Unfortunately, even if your job requires you to wear business suits, dry cleaning expenses for them are not tax-deductible. Why? According to the IRS, business suits are considered “suitable for everyday wear.” This rule means that, no matter how fancy your job requires you to dress, you can’t deduct the cost of maintaining those work clothes. 

From the 2018 tax year through 2026, Congress suspended many miscellaneous itemized deductions, including laundry expenses for employees. Even before 2018, the IRS didn’t allow deductions for clothing that could be worn outside the workplace, which covers suits and other formal wear.

For example, if your manager requires you to wear a black suit every day, you can’t deduct the cost of dry cleaning it, even if you never wear it outside of work. These rules apply to all employees, no matter how stringent their dress codes are. 

Can I Deduct Dry Cleaning Costs If My Employer Requires Me to Wear a Uniform? 

If you wear a uniform for work that requires dry cleaning such as specialized medical scrubs, police uniforms, or company-branded overalls, you might assume it’s deductible. But as an employee, you cannot deduct these laundry expenses from your personal taxes. 

Before 2018, employees could deduct the cost of cleaning uniforms that weren’t “suitable for everyday wear” under certain circumstances. However, these deductions are currently suspended. This means that even if your uniform, like a mechanic’s grease-stained overalls, clearly isn’t something you’d wear outside of work, the cost of cleaning it is no longer deductible on your federal income taxes.

If your employer doesn’t reimburse you for dry cleaning, all hope isn’t lost as you can still check your state tax rules. Some states still allow deductions for uniform or laundry expenses on state tax returns. 

I'm a Business Owner… Can I Deduct Dry Cleaning Costs? 

If you’re self-employed or own a business, you may be able to deduct dry cleaning expenses but only under specific conditions. The IRS allows deductions for business expenses that are “ordinary and necessary” for your line of business. For example, if you run a dry cleaning service yourself or sell pre-worn clothing that must be cleaned before resale, you can deduct those costs as part of your business operations. 

Business owners who wear and clean specialized clothing that isn’t suitable for everyday wear like branded uniforms or protective gear can also deduct these expenses. However, business suits or any clothing that you could wear outside of work, even if rarely, do not qualify. For instance, an attorney who chooses to dry clean their suits cannot deduct the cost, even if those suits are only worn in court. 

If you use dry cleaning services for a specific business purpose (such as for staging an outfit for a work photoshoot), keep detailed records to back up those expenses. Always ensure the deductions align with IRS rules to avoid trouble during tax season. 

Can I Deduct Dry Cleaning From My Taxes? 

The answer to whether you can deduct dry cleaning expenses depends on three main factors: who you are, what type of clothes you wear, and why you’re incurring the expense.

If you’re an employee, the law currently doesn’t allow you to deduct dry cleaning for your work clothes, even if they’re uniforms or specialized clothing. Business owners fare slightly better, as they can deduct these costs if they meet IRS guidelines. 

To recap, the key points are:

• Clothes suitable for everyday wear, like business suits, are not deductible.
• Employees can’t deduct laundry expenses or the cost of work uniforms for now (2018–2026).
• Self-employed individuals or businesses may deduct costs if the clothing is specialized and solely for work. 

Remember, these rules can change, and they also vary between federal and state tax laws. 

Get Professional Tax Advice From Federal Tax Resolution 

Tax deductions can be tricky, and the rules for dry cleaning expenses are no exception. If you’re unsure about what you can deduct or want to maximize your savings, consulting a tax professional is a great idea. A qualified expert can assess your circumstances and provide personalized advice. 

At Federal Tax Resolution, we help individuals and businesses understand their options, whether it’s navigating deductions for specialized clothing, laundry expenses, or any other tax questions you might have. The tax year flies by quickly, so reach out today to ensure you’re getting the most out of your tax return.