26 Tax Write-Offs for Independent Artists
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.711510
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.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.
Any paint, canvases, sculpting mediums, easels, and other art materials can be written off.
Attending museum exhibits and cultural events to network and gain inspiration is deductible.
Write off any fees you pay to exhibit your art in a gallery.
Life drawing sessions, technique workshops, and medium-specific classes are considered write-offs.
You can write off frames and any framing services you use to showcase your art.
Photoshop, InDesign, and any other design software you need can be written off.
Need somewhere to store photos and client docs? Write off your Dropbox account or external hard drive.
If you rent a studio where you create your art pieces, you can write it off.
If you subscribe to art magazines, you can write off the subscription.
If you need to hire an editor, designer, photographer, or other creative pro, write off what you pay them.
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 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 ...
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!
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.
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 ...
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.
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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