RUT deduction for cleaning in 2026: how it works
RUT deduction for cleaning in 2026: 50% off, per-person cap, what qualifies, how it appears on the invoice, and common pitfalls.
The RUT deduction is perhaps Sweden's most misunderstood tax break. Used correctly it halves the price of home cleaning, but few know exactly what applies.
How much do you get?
50% deduction on labour cost. Cap: 75,000 SEK per person per year (shared with ROT). Two in the same household = 150,000 SEK.
Materials, call-out and VAT don't count as labour, RUT applies to labour only.
What counts as RUT-eligible cleaning?
Home cleaning, deep clean, move-out clean, window cleaning, washing of rugs, clothes and bedding, all performed in your primary or holiday home.
Office cleaning doesn't qualify. Cleaning of rental properties (e.g. Airbnb with more than 6 rented nights per year) is complicated, check with Skatteverket.
How does it appear on the invoice?
The company deducts 50% directly and claims the amount from Skatteverket afterwards. You pay only half the labour cost.
The invoice must specify labour, RUT deduction and materials separately. Without a specification, Skatteverket can reject the deduction.
Requirements on you as buyer
You must be 18+, registered in Sweden, and pay enough tax to use the deduction.
The home must be yours or your parent's. Sub-letting works if you are the first-hand tenant.
Common pitfalls
Not enough tax paid? Skatteverket rejects the deduction and the company bills you the rest. Check with your bank/Skatteverket what you can use.
Two buyers, who pays? If two live in the household, split the invoice so both use their own cap.
Invoices without RUT specification, demand a re-issue immediately.
Frequently asked questions
- How much is the RUT deduction?
- 50% on labour, capped at 75,000 SEK per person per year (shared with ROT).
- Do I need to apply?
- No, the company does. You see the deduction directly on the invoice.
- Does it work for holiday homes?
- Yes, if you or your family own the holiday home in Sweden or the EU/EEA.
- What if I've paid too little tax?
- Skatteverket rejects the deduction, you get billed the un-deducted amount by the company.
- Can it be combined with ROT?
- Yes, but they share the same cap (75,000 SEK per person per year).
- Is VAT included?
- Yes, VAT is included in the labour cost that RUT is calculated on.
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