22 Tax Write-Offs for Freelance Audio Engineers

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Testing, testing, one, two, three… Can you hear us?

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?

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Recording equipment
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

PA systems, cables, mics, and other hardware used to record or project music is tax-deductible.

Equipment insurance
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 15

If you insure equipment or instruments, the insurance for them is tax-deductible.

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Audio editing software
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

Adobe, Audacity, GarageBand are necessary for the job and therefore tax-deductible.

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Live performance tickets
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Attending performances allows you to learn about industry trends. That makes them deductible.

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Instruments & accessories
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Instruments, cases, bows, music stands, even your music library are tax-deductible expenses.

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Membership fees
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Any dues for associations like the Audio Engineering Society are deductible.

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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.

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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 ...

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.

🍔
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 ...

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.

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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.

🏨
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 ...

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.

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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.

🌪️
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!