27 Tax Write-Offs for Freelance Web Developers

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Coding jargon and different types of programming languages can sound like gibberish to people who aren't developers.

To software developers — and all freelancers, for that matter — the same can be said about IRS rules. The UX you encounter when learning to file your 1099 taxes isn't... always optimal.

Our goal here at Keeper is to make the process easier. Which is why we've compiled this list of write-offs that devs can turn to at tax time. Remember to claim the deductions that apply to you on your Schedule C for significant tax savings!

🖱️
Software expenses
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

Any tools you use to develop software for your clients is considered a write-off.

🖥️
Tech accessories
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

An additional monitor, keyboard, or other accessories you use to code are write-offs.

📚
Educational books
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Educational books to increase your knowledge and skills are tax write-offs.

📜
Courses & certifications
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Educational courses and certifications to enhance your skills are considered tax write-offs.

☁️
Data storage
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

If you pay for cloud data storage to store files for work, it's a write-off.

🌐
Website & hosting fees
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 8

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

📝
Office supplies
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

Deduct anything you buy for your office, like pens, binders, folders, printer ink, or a whiteboard.

📱
Phone, laptop, accessories
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

If buy a phone or laptop and use it for work, it's partially deductible.

🎓
Professional development
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Courses, conferences, workshops, and premium listservs: write off anything you pay for to enhance your design skills or further your career.

💬
Advertising
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 8

Print and online advertising costs for your business are considered write-offs.

🛠️
Contract labor
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 11

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

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If you drive for work ...

If you use a car for both work and personal purposes, you can write off costs related to the percentage of time you use it for work.

For example, if you spend 5% of your time on the road driving to meet clients, you can write off 5% 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 ...

Clients, hired contractors, UX/UI designers, or fellow developers are all people you might visit a restaurant with to talk about work.

In cases like these, you can write off what you pay for the meal.

🍔
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 include travel expenses in your write-offs if you head out of town for work-related purposes like a meeting with a client or a software development conference.

🛫
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 ...

Writing code, creating tech designs, reading up on new technologies, and working on marketing your services are all things you might do from an at-home workspace.They also allow you to write off expenses associated with working from home, like a portion of your internet bill or property insurance.

🛋️
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!