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27 Tax Deductions for Freelance Web Developers | Beem



NAICS code: 541510

For people who do not work in the development field, coding jargon and different types of programming languages can seem like gibberish. As a matter of fact, the same could be said for all freelancers – and software developers in particular – with regard to IRS rules. Learning how to file your 1099 taxes isn’t always an optimal experience.

The goal of Line is to make the process as easy as possible. Therefore, we compiled this list of write-offs developers can take advantage of during tax season. In order to save as much money as possible on your taxes, make sure you claim the deductions that apply to you on your Schedule C.

We have put together a list of the most common write-offs for freelance web developers that you can use to deduct your expenses.
  • 🖱️Software expenses

    Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 18 If you use any tool to develop software for your clients, it is considered a write-off that you can claim on your taxes.
  • 🖥️Tech accessories

    Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 18 You should write off any additional monitors, keyboards, or other accessories you use while coding.
  • 📚Educational books

    Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 27a Books that increase your knowledge and skills can be deducted from your tax return as an educational expense.
  • 📜Courses & certifications

    Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 27a It is tax-deductible to take educational courses or receive certifications in order to improve your skills.
  • ☁️Data storage

    Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 18 In the case where you pay for cloud storage in order to store files for your job, it is a tax deduction.
  • 🌐Website & hosting fees

    Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 8 You can claim a full tax deduction for any fees you pay to Squarespace, Wix, GoDaddy, or another website service company.

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  • 🌐 Website & hosting fees

    Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 8

    Squarespace, Wix, GoDaddy, and other website service fees are fully tax-deductible.

  • 📱Phone, laptop, accessories

    Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 27a

    If buy a phone or laptop and use it for work, it’s partially deductible.

  • 📚 Educational books

    Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 27a

    Educational books to increase your knowledge and skills are tax write-offs.

  • 📝 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.

  • 🎓Professional development

    Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 27a

    Write off anything you pay for to enhance your design skills including courses, conferences, and workshops.

  • 💬Advertising

    Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 8

    Print and online advertising costs for your business are considered write-offs.

  • 🛠️Contract labor

    Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 11

    Write off the fees you pay to contract labor to help you complete projects.



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!

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