22 Tax Write-Offs for Freelance Costume & Fashion Designers
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.541400
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.Is there anything better than bringing designs to life through costuming? How about saving money on your taxes simply by doing the same work you already love? By claiming the ordinary business expenses you encounter every day — from fabric to sewing machines and more — you can significantly lower your tax bill. And we’ve made it even easier, by stitching together all the best write-offs for costume designers.
With so many bolts of write-offs to choose from, the only hard part will be figuring out what new look would best celebrate your savings!
Fabric, needles, thread, buttons, and other materials you use to make costumes are deductible.
Write off what you use to sew, from your Singer to lubricating oils and replacement seam guides.
Sketch books, pencils, dress forms, and other supplies you use to design costumes are deductible.
Subscriptions to fashion magazines and industry newsletters are write-offs.
Tickets to period-costume exhibits, theater, and film screenings count as work-related education.
Keeping up with the latest trends and techniques with books and courses can be written off.
If you drive for work ...
Unless you happen to have an impressively stocked textile closet at hand, you'll likely need to drive to pick up fabric or supplies. Or for other things, like meeting a client, attending a cultural event, or driving to rehearsals. Luckily, work-related drives allow you to write off some 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 ...
According to the IRS, grabbing a bite or drink with directors, producers, actors, or fellow costume designers to talk about work is considered a business meal. This means you can write the cost off on your taxes.
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!
If you leave town for work ...
If you have to travel to an industry conference or a meeting with a client you're designing a costume for, you can write off your work-related travel expenses.
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 ...
Home office expenses can be deducted if you have a designated workspace at home. This might be your desk, where you work on client development, conduct industry research, and manage your inventory. Or it might be your sewing table, where you design and work on costumes.
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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