26 Tax Write-Offs for Self-Employed Coaches
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.812990
Reviewed bya tax professionalThis content has been reviewed by an Enrolled Agent (EA) with the IRS — the highest credential awarded by the agency. Enrolled Agents are empowered to represent all taxpayers before the IRS, on all types of tax-related matters. Accountants who earn this certification have passed a comprehensive three-part exam on individual and business tax returns. To maintain EA status, they must stay up to date in the field by completing 72 hours of continuing education every three years.Time out! We know that as a coach, you’ve got a lot of athletes to think about — but don’t forget to take care of yourself, too. One big way you can do that is by saving extra money on your taxes.
That’s right: if you work as an independent contractor, you can lower your tax bill simply by doing the job you love. By claiming these write-offs the next time you file, you’ll be saving time and money that you can then invest in your charges. (Or take a nice vacation during off-season — we won’t tell!) Now that’s a smart play!
You can write off balls, nets, shoes, and more, as long as you use them for work.
Playbooks, whistles, and anything else you use while coaching can be deducted.
This includes uniforms or any branded items you must wear while working.
Sports magazines, newsletters, and channels you subscribe to can be deducted.
Attending a sporting event is a write-off for you: you can study the plays and learn!
Continuing education classes required to keep your job are fully deductible.
Water bottles, towels, and items you need after practice can be written off.
Snacks and refreshments you bring for players during games and practices can be written off.
If you buy prizes for people who win games, you can write them off.
If you drive for work ...
Your coaching work may land you on the road frequently: meeting with athletes and other coaches, picking up sports equipment, or driving to games and practices.
A portion of the money you spend on your car, such as paying for gas or repairs, can be written off your taxes.
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 ...
Meeting talent scouts, athletes, or fellow coaches for a work chat over food or drinks? Go ahead and write off the cost of your business meal.
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!
If you leave town for work ...
Games and matches will often bring coaches to the towns of opposing teams. Any related travel expenses, such as breakfast the morning before a big game or the cost of a hotel, can be written off. This also includes travel to things like industry conferences or workshops.
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 ...
Many people get into coaching because they love being on the field or court. But a lot goes into a successful coaching business off the field, too. Many coaches work on things like industry research, finance and paperwork management, or continuing education courses from home. In this case, a portion of home office expenses can be claimed on your taxes.
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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