22 Tax Deductions for Freelance Teachers And Tutors | Beem

NAICS code: 611000

The main purpose of your day is to help others learn – whether you teach online or in person. It might not be the most productive use of your after-school hours to learn how to file your own self-employment taxes. The following list of common write-offs is designed to make the learning curve for independent teachers and tutors a little easier.

There are many tax deductions available to you, like those for classroom supplies (including virtual backdrops if you teach online!) and out-of-town education conferences.

We have put together a list of the most common write-offs for freelance teachers and tutors that you can use to deduct your expenses.

🖼️ Classroom decorations
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 27a
The cost of decorating your classroom to make it more learning-friendly can be deducted from your taxes.
🧸 Teaching props
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 22
Make sure you deduct any props you use to help students understand concepts during your lessons.
🏆 Student rewards
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 22
It is possible to deduct rewards for student achievements ranging from gold stars to larger prizes.
🖥️ Electronic devices
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 18
There are write-offs for computers, additional monitors, webcams, and microphones necessary for teaching.
💻 Education software
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 18
Software used for grading papers or teaching can be written off, including Turnitin and Copyscape.
📱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.

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📝 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.
📱 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!