24 Tax Write-Offs for Freelance Computer Technicians

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Reviewed by
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There’s nothing more frustrating than spending hours trying to troubleshoot a computer, only to discover it was a PEBKAC error all along. But what’s almost as frustrating is learning you’ve been overpaying your taxes when you didn’t have to.

That’s we’ve compiled a list of the best write-offs for freelance computer technicians, so you’ll never forget to claim an expense again. By taking all the write-offs you’re entitled to, you’ll reboot your tax returns and restore your savings back to optimal efficiency!

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Safety equipment
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

Safety equipment, like goggles and masks, can be deducted.

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Trade journal subscriptions
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Any subscriptions to trade journals related to your industry are considered tax write-offs.

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Website & hosting fees
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 8

Squarespace, Wix, GoDaddy, and other website service fees are fully tax-deductible.

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Advertising
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 8

Print and online advertising costs for your business are considered write-offs.

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Productivity software
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

Software you use for invoicing, tracking expenses, creating timesheets, and so on is deductible.

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Computer parts
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

Parts needed to repair computers for clients are considered write-offs.

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Computer manuals
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Write off manuals for different computer models that help you make repairs.

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Electronic devices
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

Computers, extra monitors, webcams, and microphones needed to teach are write-offs.

If you drive for work ...

A portion of car expenses can be written off if you have to drive for work. For a computer repair expert, this might include:

  • Picking up office supplies
  • Picking up repair equipment and computer parts
  • Dropping off fixed products
  • Meeting with clients
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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 ...

Much of a computer technician's work happens away from the computer — such as grabbing food or drinks with mentors, clients, or fellow repairpeople.

If the purpose of these meetings is work-related, you can write off the cost!

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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 ...

Work-related travel expenses are also eligible write-offs, such as a train ticket to an out-of-town industry conference.

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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 ...

If you work on repairs for clients, conduct industry research, or spruce up your web presence from your apartment, remember that you can write off a portion of your home office expenses, like internet and rent.

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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!