28 Tax Write-Offs for Consultants
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.541600
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.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 it's 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!
Coaching, seminars, or workshops used to maintain your work-related skills can be written off.
Educational books to increase your knowledge and skills are tax write-offs.
Newspaper or magazine subscriptions used for work-related research can be written off.
Squarespace, Wix, GoDaddy, and other website service fees are fully tax-deductible.
Business cards, postcards, and other materials used to promote yourself are deductible.
Part of your actual phone's cost, monthly phone bill, and any accessories you use for work can be written off.
Write off the fees you pay to contract labor to help you complete projects.
Computers, extra monitors, webcams, and microphones you need for work are write-offs.
Professional services like lawyers, accountants, and more can be deducted on your taxes.
Business cards with your contact information count as advertising expenses.
Software you use for invoicing, tracking expenses, creating timesheets, and so on is deductible.
Ad campaigns on Google, Meta, TikTok, and more are all deductible on your taxes.
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 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 ...
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.
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-town conferences, seminars, workshops, or meet-ups. Luckily, work-related travel expenses can be written off!
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 ...
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!
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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