25 Tax Write-Offs for Freelance Makeup Artists

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As a makeup artist, you know there’s nothing so ugly that it can’t be turned into a work of art — and believe it or not, that even holds true for your taxes! By claiming the business expenses you rack up every day on the job, you’ll uncover loads of hidden beauty that most people don’t know how to see.

To help you out, we’ve gathered the best write-offs for makeup artists in one place, so you have a whole palette of savings to work with! Talk about beautiful.

💄
Makeup & supplies
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

All of the makeup, brushes, and supplies used in your kit is tax-deductible.

💦
Brush cleaner
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

Brush cleaners, makeup remover, and other supplies to take care of your supplies are deductible.

💳
Beauty industry memberships
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 10

Membership fees you pay to get discounts from beauty stores can be written off.

📃
Licensing fees
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 23

Fees to get or renew your license to perform your work are fully deductible.

📚
Books & courses
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Keeping up with the latest trends and techniques with books and courses can be written off.

💬
Advertising
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 8

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

🌐
Website & hosting fees
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 8

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

📱
Social media tools
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

Write off the tools you use to create assets, schedule posts, or pull analytics.

🎨
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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If you drive for work ...

Working as a makeup artist naturally involves a lot of face-to-face interaction, whether you're meeting with a client to discuss their needs for an upcoming event or driving to someone's home to do their makeup.

Luckily, driving for work allows you to deduct a portion of your car expenses which can help save you money on your taxes.

🅿️
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 ...

Networking is likely a big part of your job as a makeup artist.

Luckily, it counts as a business meal if you go to a restaurant with a client to discuss a brief or grab a work-related coffee with a fellow makeup artist or beauty industry coworker (like a manicurist or esthetician).

🍔
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 ...

If you find yourself packing up your brushes and palettes for an out-of-town job, conference, training session, or networking event, remember that your travel expenses can be claimed on your taxes.

🛫
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 ...

If you run your makeup business out of your home, you can claim a portion of home office expenses such as internet and rent.

Don't forget to include the hours you spend on things like practicing makeup trends, working on lead generation and advertising, taking online courses, and managing paperwork and finances.

🛋️
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!