27 Tax Write-Offs for Freelance Web Developers
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!
Schedule C, Box 18
Any tools you use to develop software for your clients is considered a write-off.
Schedule C, Box 18
An additional monitor, keyboard, or other accessories you use to code are write-offs.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Educational books to increase your knowledge and skills are tax write-offs.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Educational courses and certifications to enhance your skills are considered tax write-offs.
Schedule C, Box 18
If you pay for cloud data storage to store files for work, it's a write-off.
Schedule C, Box 8
Squarespace, Wix, GoDaddy, and other website service fees are fully tax-deductible.
Schedule C, Box 18
Deduct anything you buy for your office, like pens, binders, folders, printer ink, or a whiteboard.
Schedule C, Box 27a
If buy a phone or laptop and use it for work, it's partially deductible.
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.
Schedule C, Box 8
Print and online advertising costs for your business are considered write-offs.
Schedule C, Box 11
Write off the fees you pay to contract labor to help you complete projects.
Find write-offs.
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Keeper helps independent contractors and freelancers discover tax deductions and file taxes.
Get startedIf 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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!
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.
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!
