26 Tax Write-Offs for Independent Artists
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.
Schedule C, Box 38 (COGS)
Any paint, canvases, sculpting mediums, easels, and other art materials can be written off.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Attending musuem exhibits and cultural events to network and gain inspiration is deductible.
Schedule C, Box 10
Write off any fees you pay to exhibit your art in a gallery.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Any art classes you take to enhance your skills as an artist are considered write-offs.
Schedule C, Box 22
You can write off frames and any framing services you use to showcase your art.
Schedule C, Box 18
Photoshop, InDesign, and any other design software you need can be written off.
Schedule C, Box 18
Need somewhere to store photos and client docs? Write off your Dropbox account or external hard drive.
Schedule C, Box 20b
If you rent a studio where you create your art pieces, you can write it off.
Schedule C, Box 27a
If you subscribe to art magazines, you can write off the subscription.
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 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.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Parking for a meeting downtown, or any other work trip, is tax-deductible!
Schedule C, Box 27a
A toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible!
Schedule C, Box 13
If you buy a new car, you can write off part of the cost every year for five years.
Schedule C, Box 22
Flashlights, tire iron, duct tape, and other tools you may need in your vehicle are deductible.
Schedule C, Box 15
Car insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible.
Schedule C, Box 9
Oil changes, repairs, and regular checkups are all tax-deductible if you drive for work.
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!
Schedule C, Box 24b
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!
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.
Schedule C, Box 24a
Planes, trains, and car rentals are all work-related travel costs that can be written off.
Schedule C, Box 24a
When you travel for work, lodging expenses such as hotel rooms or Airbnb are write offs.
Schedule C, Box 24a
When you're traveling for work, all meals are tax-deductible. Even takeout!
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.
Schedule C, Box 18
A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs.
Schedule C, Box 21
You can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property.
Form 8829
Gotta keep the lights on in your home office! A portion of your electricity bill counts.
Form 8829
Whether it's rental or homeowners insurance, you can write off a portion through your home office deduction.
Form 8829
It'd be hard to work in an office without running water, huh? You water bill counts.
Schedule C, Box 25
Your Comcast bill is a tax write-off. You need internet to do your job!
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