26 Tax Write-Offs for Interior Designers

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Let’s face it, you probably got into interior design to express yourself, not worry about your taxes. But did you know you can save significantly at tax time if you arrange your write-offs correctly?

It’s true! As an interior designer, you can write off any ordinary business expense from your taxes. Whether it’s design software or swatch samples, these everyday purchases you make to help your clients’ homes look beautiful can also make your wallet shine. Now that’s good feng shui!

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Digital design software
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

Write off fees for software used to design interiors for clients, like Infurnia and Autodesk.

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Reference books
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Reference books you use for research or to hone your industry knowledge are write-offs.

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Trade journal subscriptions
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Any subscriptions to trade journals related to your industry are considered tax write-offs.

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Productivity software
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

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

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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.

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Inventory & samples
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 36 (COGS)

If you have to keep inventory of products or samples, you can write these off.

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Contracted help
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 11

Freelancers, contractors, or other services that help you run your business are tax-deductible.

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Creative assistance
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 11

If you need to hire an editor, designer, photographer, or other creative pro, write off what you pay them.

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Website & hosting fees
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 8

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

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Advertising
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 8

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

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If you drive for work ...

If you drive for work, like to scope out furniture or art pieces or to visit worksites, you can claim car-related tax write-offs.

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Parking
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Parking for a meeting downtown, or any other work trip, is tax-deductible!

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Tolls
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

A toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible!

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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.

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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.

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Car insurance & registration
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 15

Car insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible.

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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 ...

Self-employed interior designers can partially claim food or drink expenses if it's to talk about business with a client, supplier, mentor, or fellow designer.

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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 ...

On a business trip, such as meeting with an out-of-town client or attending an interior design conference, you can deduct the cost of travel to your destination, as well as lodging and meals.

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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.

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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.

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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 ...

Whether you work from home out of necessity or by design — on things like client development, industry research, design briefs, or virtual meetings — you can deduct home office expenses from your taxes.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!