31 Tax Write-Offs for Actors
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.Let’s face it, acting is a grueling job. While you probably wouldn’t trade it for the world, the long hours and shifting schedules can easily leave you mentally and physically exhausted. Who has time after that to figure out your taxes?
That’s why we’ve taken the guesswork out. Here, we break down all the expenses you can write off as an actor — saving you money, and freeing up more time to practice your lines.
Get ready to yell "Cut!" at your tax bill, because this gig’s been wrapped.
You can write off makeup, nail, and haircare services if they're required for a gig.
Enhancing and learning new skills through acting or modeling classes is deductible.
Commission fees you pay for agency representation are fully deductible.
Any equipment you use to shoot promotional tapes, portraits, and more can be written off.
Getting professional headshots done to book acting and model gigs can be written off.
If you belong to a union, go ahead and write off your dues.
Squarespace, Wix, GoDaddy, and other website service fees are fully tax-deductible.
Hiring a photographer to take professional photos for your portfolio can be deducted.
Costumes for photoshoots, dance performances, or acting gigs are write-offs.
If you buy a phone or laptop and use it for work, it's partially deductible.
Educational books to increase your knowledge and skills are tax write-offs.
Deduct anything you buy for your office, like pens, binders, folders, printer ink, or a whiteboard.
Audition tapes, portfolios, business cards: write off anything you use to promote yourself.
For you, seeing a show counts as research. Study up and write it off!
Write off the tools you use to create assets, schedule posts, or pull analytics.
If you drive for work ...
If you drive to auditions, acting classes, or to meetings with your agent, go ahead and write off 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 ...
Networking is likely a big part of your job as an actor. Luckily, grabbing food or drinks with agents, clients, lawyers, or coaches all count as business meals you can write off.
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!
If you leave town for work ...
"Have headshot, will travel." Sound familiar?
Even if you live in a media hub like Los Angeles or New York City, you'll likely still find yourself traveling for on-location shoots, meetings with out-of-town clients, or non-local auditions. These are all travel expenses that can be claimed on your taxes.
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 ...
As a freelance actor, you probably do just as much work at home as in front of the camera, such as recording auditions, developing branding and marketing materials, and taking care of administrative work.
Don't forget to write off your home office expenses!
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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