26 Tax Deductions for Independent Artists | Beem

NAICS code: 711510

Being an independent artist is no easy feat. You spend days and nights creating beautiful art. Meanwhile, during your free time, you are always on the lookout for customers who would be willing to purchase your art. You break your back while trying to earn some money. It’s a smart idea to get to know a list of expenses that you can claim as tax write-offs instead of giving your laborious money to the IRS.

We have put together a list of the most common write-offs for independent artists that you can use to deduct your expenses.

Also know about: Tax Dependent

💻Design software
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 18
If you use any paid software for content creation or for editing pictures and videos, you can write them off.
🖌️ Studio fee
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 20b
If you go to any studio to work and don’t work from home, you can write this expense off. This includes studio rent and bills.
🎨Creative assistance
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 11
When you employ an editor, assistant, or designer to help in creating content, you can use this expense to write the taxes off!
☁️ Data Storage
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 18
If you use Dropbox or a hard drive to store heavy files that are work-related, you can write them off.
🎓 Art classes
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 27a
If you have taken any classes to improve your skills as an artist, it’s considered write-offs.
🎨Art supplies
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 38 (COGS)
Any paint, canvases, sculpting mediums, easels, and other art materials can be written off.

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🎟️Cultural events & museums
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 27a Attending museum exhibits and cultural events to network and gain inspiration is deductible.
🎭Gallery fees
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 10 Write off any fees you pay to exhibit your art in a gallery.
🖼️Framing
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 22 Frames or any framing services that you use to showcase your art can be written off.
📝 Office supplies
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 18 Deduct anything you buy for your office, like pens, binders, folders, printer ink, or a whiteboard.
😎 Self-promotional materials
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 8 Portfolios, business cards — write off anything you use to promote yourself.
📱 Social media tools
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 18 Write off the tools you use to create assets, schedule posts, or pull analytics.

If you drive for work ...

You might spend a lot of your time zipping around town to meet clients, finish assignments and do your research among other tasks. Luckily, you can write off car-related expenses like maintenance and gas. Keep these tax write-offs in mind as a growing .

Parking
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 27a
Parking for a meeting downtown, or any other work trip, is tax-deductible!
Tolls
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 27a
A toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible!
Car purchase & depreciation
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 13
If you buy a new car, you can write off part of the cost every year for five years.
Vehicle tool kit
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 22
Flashlights, tire iron, duct tape, and other tools you may need in your vehicle are deductible.
Car insurance & registration
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 15
Car insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible.
Car maintenance
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 9
Oil changes, repairs, and regular checkups are all tax-deductible if you drive for work.

If you discuss work at a restaurant ...

Networking is a core practice of a successful and it can also be added to your tax write-offs. You likely often meet clients or people in your field at restaurants to chat about work, discuss projects and sign deals. When you do, remember to write off your business meal expenses.

🍔 Business meals
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 24b
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it’s a write-off!

If you leave town for work ...

Meeting an out-of-town client, attending a conference or networking is all part of the job. There are many reasons for you to travel for work as a busy and they can all be added as tax write-offs. They also count as business trips, so you can write off your travel costs.

Transportation
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 24a
Planes, trains, and car rentals are all work-related travel costs that can be written off.
Travel lodging
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 24a
When you travel for work, lodging expenses such as hotel rooms or Airbnb are write offs.
Meals while traveling
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 24a
When you’re traveling for work, all meals are tax-deductible. Even takeout!

If you work from home ...

When you’re not busy working outside, you might spend your time working from your home as a successful and many activities count as tax write-offs. These include business plans, promotional work and coming up with new strategies. In this case, don’t forget to write off your home office expenses!

Home office furniture
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 18
A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs.
Property repairs
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 21
You can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property.
Power bill
Write it off using: Form 8829
Gotta keep the lights on in your home office! A portion of your electricity bill counts.
Property insurance
Write it off using: Form 8829
Whether it’s rental or homeowners insurance, you can write off a portion through your home office deduction.
Water bill
Write it off using: Form 8829
It’d be hard to work in an office without running water, huh? You water bill counts.
Wi-Fi bill
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 25
Your Comcast bill is a tax write-off. You need internet to do your job!