22 Tax Write-Offs for Freelance Audio Engineers
NAICS business codeYour NAICS business code is a six-digit string of numbers that shows the type of work your business does. NAICS stands for North American Industry Classification System. When you do your taxes, you'll enter it in Box B of your Schedule C.512200
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It’s Keeper, and we’re bringing you a clear, static-free way to save on your tax bill. Simply by claiming the everyday sort of business purchases you already make as an audio engineer, you’ll be able to lower the distortion level of your yearly taxes.
And to keep things simple, we’ve gathered the best write-offs for audio engineers, all in one place. How does that sound to you?
PA systems, cables, mics, and other hardware used to record or project music is tax-deductible.
If you insure equipment or instruments, the insurance for them is tax-deductible.
Adobe, Audacity, GarageBand are necessary for the job and therefore tax-deductible.
Attending performances allows you to learn about industry trends. That makes them deductible.
Instruments, cases, bows, music stands, even your music library are tax-deductible expenses.
Any dues for associations like the Audio Engineering Society are deductible.
If you drive for work ...
If you drive to performances or meetings with artists, other clients, or agents, remember to write off your car expenses.
Parking for a meeting downtown, or any other work trip, is tax-deductible!
A toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible!
If you buy a new car, you can write off part of the cost every year for five years.
Flashlights, tire iron, duct tape, and other tools you may need in your vehicle are deductible.
Car insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible.
Oil changes, repairs, and regular checkups are all tax-deductible if you drive for work.
If you discuss work at a restaurant ...
A toast to saving money with write-offs! If you grab food or drinks with fellow engineers and producers, agents, promoters, or artists, feel free to write off the cost of your meal.
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!
If you leave town for work ...
Why might an audio engineer travel for work? To attend an industry conference, perform at an out-of-town venue, or meet with artists and agents that don't live in your city. The costs of such trips can be written off your taxes.
Planes, trains, and car rentals are all work-related travel costs that can be written off.
When you travel for work, lodging expenses such as hotel rooms or Airbnb are write-offs.
When you're traveling for work, all meals are tax-deductible. Even takeout!
If you work from home ...
A lot of freelance audio engineers work remotely, from an actual in-home studio or just from a desk with a really good pair of headphones. If you work on audio production, conduct artist and industry research, or manage finances and paperwork from home, you can write off your home office expenses.
A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs.
You can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property.
Gotta keep the lights on in your home office! A portion of your electricity bill counts.
Whether it's rental or homeowners insurance, you can write off a portion through your home office deduction.
It'd be hard to work in an office without running water, huh? Your water bill counts.
Your Comcast bill is a tax write-off. You need internet to do your job!
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