22 Tax Write-Offs for Self-Employed Referees

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As a self-employed referee, the ball's in your court when it comes to reducing the amount you owe in taxes. The IRS won't come to bat for you β€” you need to be diligent about tracking your own business expenses, so you can deduct them from your gross income and ultimately lower your tax bill.

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If you're still learning the ropes of filing 1099 taxes, you might not be sure of what kinds of expenses you're allowed to deduct. That's why we've compiled this list of common write-offs for referees: to help you come out swinging when tax time approaches.

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Referee uniform & upkeep
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

The price and upkeep of your referee uniform and shoes are tax write-offs.

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Whistles & flags
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

Whistles, flags, and other equipment for refereeing are considered tax write-offs.

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Courses & certifications
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Educational courses and certifications to enhance your skills are considered tax write-offs.

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Log books & office supplies
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

Log books, pencils, notebooks, and other office supplies can be written off.

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Professional membership fees
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

If you belong to any professional organizations, you can write off the dues.

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Sporting event tickets
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Attending a sporting event is a write-off for you: you can study the plays and learn!

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If you drive for work ...

Your work may frequently land you on the road, driving to a sports event or picking up office supplies.Luckily, a portion of the money you spend on your car, like on insurance or repairs, can be written off your taxes.

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Parking
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Parking for a meeting downtown, or any other work trip, is tax-deductible!

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Tolls
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

A toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible!

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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.

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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.

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Car insurance & registration
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 15

Car insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible.

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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 ...

Knock your taxes out of the park by remembering to write off business meal expenses β€” like going for a bite or drink to talk about work with a coach, athlete, or fellow referee.

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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 ...

The business trip deduction can be a game-changer for self-employed referees!

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If you travel out of town to attend a sporting event or industry conference, you can write off your travel expenses.

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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.

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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.

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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 ...

You might have gotten into refereeing because you love being on the court or field. But a lot goes into working as a freelance referee off the court, too!

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Plenty refs work from home on things like industry research or managing client paperwork. In cases like these, a portion of home office expenses can be claimed on your taxes.

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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.

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Property repairs
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 21

You can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property.

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Power bill
Write it off using:

Form 8829

Gotta keep the lights on in your home office! A portion of your electricity bill counts.

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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.

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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.

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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!