25 Tax Write-Offs for Event Planners

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Whether it’s a baby shower or a retirement party, you know that every detail matters when pulling off the perfect event. Your clients expect the star treatment, but do you put that same level of care into saving money on your taxes?

What if we told you that it was easier than setting out chairs, and that even those chairs could help lower your tax bill? It’s true! By writing off all the ordinary business expenses you run into every day — and as an event planner, there’s a lot of them — you can reduce your taxes. And we’ve made it even easier, by putting together a guest list of all the best write-offs for event planners.

So go ahead, invite these savings into your life. You’ll be sending us a thank you card in no time!

👨‍💻
Productivity software
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

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

💬
Advertising
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 8

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

🤝
Contracted help
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 11

Freelancers, contractors, or other services that help you run your business are tax-deductible.

🌴
Conferences & retreats
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

All conferences and retreats you attend to enhance your writing and network can be written off

📜
Courses & certifications
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Educational courses and certifications to enhance your skills are considered tax write-offs.

🗞️
News & magazine subscriptions
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Newspaper or magazine subscriptions used for work-related research can be written off.

🎟️
Event costs
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 10

Any costs you pay for to plan or run the event can be written off.

🎉
Event space
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 20b

If you have to rent space to host a community event, write off the fee!

💻
Event planning software
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

Specific software subscriptions, like Cvent and Social Tables, are tax-deductible.

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If you drive for work ...

An event planner needs to be familiar with locations and vendors around town that can meet the needs of various clients. This will likely include a fair amount of driving from spot to spot, whether you're doing pickups, drop-offs, meetings, or scouting. Luckily, you can deduct expenses related to your car from your taxes.

🅿️
Parking
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Parking for a meeting downtown, or any other work trip, is tax-deductible!

🛣️
Tolls
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

A toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible!

🚘
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.

🧰
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.

☂️
Car insurance & registration
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 15

Car insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible.

🔧
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 ...

You might meet with a client at a coffee shop to talk about what they envision for an upcoming event or go for lunch with a vendor, mentor, or venue owner who wants to refer you to someone they know. Go ahead and deduct the costs of these business meals on your Schedule C.

🍔
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 ...

In the event you go on an out-of-town business trip, like a client meeting, networking event with vendors, or industry summit, you can deduct travel-related expenses.

🛫
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.

🥡
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 ...

Does your home often turn into a command center buzzing with activity in the lead-up to an event? Taking meetings, organizing vendor bills, and creating mock-ups or mood boards might be just a few of the things you do from home. If this includes you, don't forget to claim your home office expenses.

🛋️
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.

🛠️
Property repairs
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 21

You can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property.

🔌
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!