22 Tax Write-Offs for Self-Employed Loan Officers

NAICS business code522300
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As a loan officer, you’re used to assessing other people’s finances. But have you ever audited your own?

If not, you could be missing out on significant savings β€” and one easy way to sneak some in, is by writing off your business expenses on your taxes! With write-offs, every ordinary business purchase you make for your career can actually save you money in the long run.

It’s like granting a loan to your future self. And we’ve assessed that your life would be even easier if we compiled all the best write-offs for loan officers in one place. Now that’s something to give your stamp of approval!

Office supplies

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

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 18
Website & hosting fees

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

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 8
Advertising

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

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 8
Scheduling software

Software for scheduling or hosting meetings, like Zoom or Calendly, is tax-deductible.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 18
Seminars & workshops

Coaching, seminars, or workshops used to maintain your work-related skills can be written off.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 27a
Certifications & licenses
Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 23

If you drive for work ...

While virtual meetings are more and more commonplace these days, as a loan officer, you likely still drive to lots of in-person client meetings or networking events.

Luckily, you can deduct a portion of your car expenses as they relate to work.

Parking

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

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 9
Tolls

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

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 9
Car purchase & depreciation

If you buy a new car, you can write off part of the cost every year for five years.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 13
Vehicle tool kit

Flashlights, tire iron, duct tape, and other tools you may need in your vehicle are deductible.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 22
Car insurance & registration

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

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 9
Car maintenance

Oil changes, repairs, and regular checkups are all tax-deductible if you drive for work.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 9

If you discuss work at a restaurant ...

Remember that meal you grabbed with a potential client or the coffee shop you visited with a fellow loan officer who had a referral for you? Those count as business expenses and can be deducted from your taxes.

Business meals

If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 24b

If you leave town for work ...

If you take the train to meet a client in another city or fly to a different state for a seminar, go ahead and write off your business-related travel expenses.

Transportation

Planes, trains, and car rentals are all work-related travel costs that can be written off.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 24a
Travel lodging

When you travel for work, lodging expenses such as hotel rooms or Airbnb are write-offs.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 24a
Meals while traveling

When you're traveling for work, all meals are tax-deductible. Even takeout!

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 24b

If you work from home ...

Attending virtual meetings, conducting industry research, working on client development, and managing finances are just a few of the tasks a freelance loan officer might do from home.

If you have a designated at-home workspace, go ahead and write off your home office deductions.

Home office furniture

A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 18
Property repairs

You can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 21
Power bill

Gotta keep the lights on in your home office! A portion of your electricity bill counts.

Where to write it off: Form 8829
Property insurance

Whether it's rental or homeowners insurance, you can write off a portion through your home office deduction.

Where to write it off: Form 8829
Water bill

It'd be hard to work in an office without running water, huh? Your water bill counts.

Where to write it off: Form 8829
Wi-Fi bill

Your Comcast bill is a tax write-off. You need internet to do your job!

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 25

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