23 Tax Write-Offs for Models

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Modeling seems easy to some people, but that’s only because you make it look that way. The truth is that it requires a lot of time, discipline, and of course: expenses. From makeup and clothes, to travel costs to get to the photo shoot locations, it’s not cheap to look this good. But did you know those same expenses can actually save you money come tax time?

As an independent model, you’re entitled to write off all your business expenses on your taxes. And we’ve put together the perfect backdrop to get you started, by listing all the best write-offs for models in one place so you can strut your stuff all the way to the bank!

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Beauty services
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

You can write off makeup, nail, haircare services if they're required for a gig.

👩‍🏫
Coaching & classes
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Enhancing and learning new skills through acting or modeling classes is deductible.

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Agency commissions
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 10

Commission fees you pay for agency representation are fully deductible.

🎥
Camera equipment
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

Any equipment you use to shoot promotional tapes, portraits, and more can be written off.

👤
Headshots
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 8

Getting professional headshots done to book acting and model gigs can be written off.

📱
Phone & accessories
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Part of your actual phone's cost, monthly phone bill, and any accessories you use for work can be written off.

💻
Photo editing software
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

Subscriptions and licenses for Photoshop, Lightroom, and other software can be deducted.

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If you drive for work ...

It's not surprising it's called a "go-see" — models spend a lot of time going to and from casting calls and photo shoots. If you drive to either of those, or classes, client meetings, or agent appointments, go ahead and write off your car expenses.

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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!

🛣️
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.

🧰
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 ...

Grabbing lunch to chat about modeling or the fashion industry with fellow models, clients, or agents counts as a business expense you can write off. That includes both food and drinks!

🍔
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 have to travel for work to attend an on-location shoot or meeting with an out-of-town client, feel free to deduct your travel expenses.

🛫
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.

🥡
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 work from home on personal branding, marketing and advertising, or practicing your modeling skills, you can deduct home office expenses from your taxes.

🛋️
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!