28 Tax Write-Offs for Consultants

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Reviewed by
a tax professional

Consultants understand the value of getting an expert’s opinion. So let us offer up a bit of free advice: as a freelance consultant, you can save significantly on your tax bill simply by writing off all the ordinary business expenses you encounter every day.

Whether its productivity software or the cost of attending your latest industry conference, you can put these expenses to work for you. And we’ve made it even easier, by assembling a list of the best write-offs for consultants!

🎓
Seminars & workshops
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Coaching, seminars, or workshops used to maintain your work-related skills can be written off.

📚
Educational books
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Educational books to increase your knowledge and skills are 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.

🌐
Website & hosting fees
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 8

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

😎
Personal marketing materials
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 8

Business cards, postcards, and other materials used to promote yourself are deductible.

📱
Phone & accessories
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Part of your actual phone's cost, monthly phone bill, and any accessories you use for work can be written off.

🛠️
Contract labor
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 11

Write off the fees you pay to contract labor to help you complete projects.

🖥️
Electronic devices
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

Computers, extra monitors, webcams, and microphones needed to teach are write-offs.

👔
Professional services
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 17

Professional services like lawyers, accountants, and more can be deducted on your taxes.

🗃️
Business cards
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 8

Business cards with your contact information count as advertising expenses.

👨‍💻
Productivity software
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

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

📣
Online advertising
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 8

Ad campaigns on Google, Meta, TikTok, and more are all deductible on your taxes.

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If you drive for work ...

The responsibilities of a consultant vary daily, from picking up office supplies to meeting with clients and attending networking events and conferences.If you spend time driving for work, you can deduct a portion of your car expenses.

🅿️
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 ...

In addition to out-of-town networking events, your consulting business also probably benefits from taking clients out to dinner to chat about your services or grabbing a bite with lawyers, accountants, and fellow consultants.As long as the meeting is work-related, you can write off the cost of your food and drink.

🍔
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 ...

As a consultant, networking is key. That likely involves venturing to out-of-own conferences, seminars, workshops, or meet-ups. Luckily, work-related travel expenses can be written off!

🛫
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 ...

You don't need a separate work room with a closing door to deduct home office expenses. A dedicated desk where you conduct client calls or work on lead generation and client development also counts!

🛋️
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!