23 Tax Write-Offs for Models

NAICS business code: 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.

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!

Beauty services

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

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 27b

Coaching & classes

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

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 27b

Agency commissions

Commission fees you pay for agency representation are fully deductible.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 10

Camera equipment

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

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 22

Headshots

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

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 8

Phone & accessories

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

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 27b

Photo editing software

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

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 18

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.

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 ...

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

If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off! Keep in mind business meals are only 50% deductible.

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

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

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, your meals are a write-off, even takeout. Like all business meals, they're 50% deductible, whether you eat on the road or close to home.

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

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

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

A repair only to your home office is deductible in full. A repair to the whole home is an indirect expense, so you deduct it in proportion to your home office percentage on Form 8829.

Where to write it off: Form 8829

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? You 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!