26 Tax Write-Offs for Independent Artists

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It’s tough making a name for yourself when you’re an independent artist — from algorithm changes siphoning away attention, to recessions impacting merchandise sales, to AI art replacing commissions, you’ll have your hands full just running your business.

What you shouldn’t have to worry about is your taxes. That’s why we’ve compiled a full palette of tax write-offs for artists, so you can keep more of your hard-earned sales while painting a beautiful future for yourself.

🎨
Art supplies
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 38 (COGS)

Any paint, canvases, sculpting mediums, easels, and other art materials can be written off.

🎟️
Cultural events & museums
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Attending musuem exhibits and cultural events to network and gain inspiration is deductible.

🎭
Gallery fees
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 10

Write off any fees you pay to exhibit your art in a gallery.

🎓
Art classes
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Any art classes you take to enhance your skills as an artist are considered write-offs.

🖼️
Framing
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

You can write off frames and any framing services you use to showcase your art.

💻
Design software
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

Photoshop, InDesign, and any other design software you need can be written off.

☁️
Photo storage
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

Need somewhere to store photos and client docs? Write off your Dropbox account or external hard drive.

🖌️
Art studio fees
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 20b

If you rent a studio where you create your art pieces, you can write it off.

📖
Art magazine subscriptions
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

If you subscribe to art magazines, you can write off the subscription.

🎨
Creative assistance
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 11

If you need to hire an editor, designer, photographer, or other creative pro, write off what you pay them.

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If you drive for work ...

If you have to drive to attend art classes, drop off a package, visit a museum, meet a client, gallery owner, or agent — you can write car expenses off on your taxes. It doesn't matter if it's a short trip nearby or a longer trip a bit further out! As long as it's for work, it 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 ...

Grabbing lunch to chat about art with fellow artists, gallery owners, agents, clients, or lawyers, counts as a business expense you can write off. That includes both food and drinks!

🍔
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 ...

Don't forget to write off travel expenses when it's time to file your taxes. That includes the costs associated with attending out-of-town art exhibits, conferences, retreats, or meetings with gallery owners, clients, and agents.

🛫
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 ...

Do you have a home art studio where you create art pieces, fulfill orders, manage finances and paperwork, or work on advertising and marketing?You can write off home office expenses, such as art supplies and even a portion of your internet bill.

🛋️
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!