26 Tax Write-Offs for Self-Employed Financial Advisors

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As a self-employed financial advisor, we’re sure you already know about the advantage of using write-offs to lower your tax bill. But do you take the same care with your own finances that you give to your clients’?

It’s easy to tell someone else to make the smart financial call, it’s a bit more effort to follow your own advice. That’s why we’ve made it easy, by gathering all the best write-offs for financial advisors in one place!

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Financial planning software
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

Software to help plan your clients' financial strategies can be deducted on your taxes.

📃
Financial certifications
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Certifications like the CLU, CFP, or ChFC can be costly. Luckily, you can write them off.

📚
Educational books
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Educational books to increase your knowledge and skills are tax write-offs.

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Office supplies
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

Deduct anything you buy for your office, like pens, binders, folders, printer ink, or a whiteboard.

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FPA and NAPFA memberships
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 10

If you belong to the Financial Planning Association, the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, or any other professional orgs, write off your dues.

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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.

📇
Marketing materials
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 8

Business cards, brochures, service menus, and flyers promoting your business are deductible.

🌐
Website & hosting fees
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 8

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

🤝
Contracted help
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 11

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

💻
Electronic devices
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

Computers, monitors, headphones, external hard drives, and more are considered tax-deductible.

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If you drive for work ...

You don’t have to be a rideshare driver to claim vehicle expenses. As a financial advisor, you might make trips to meet a client or to pick up office supplies. This still counts!

🅿️
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 ...

Contracts don't need to be signed at the table for a meal with a client or fellow financial advisor to count as a business expense. If there's a potential it could turn into a referral or the conversation is work-related, you can claim the deduction.

🍔
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 ...

If you travel more than 100 miles or book overnight accommodation away from home to attend an industry conference or meet with a client, you can deduct your travel expenses on your taxes.

🛫
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 ...

If you're a financial advisor who works from home, whether on creating client financial plans, creating marketing assets, or doing industry research, you can get a big break on your taxes.

🛋️
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.

🔌
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!