23 Tax Write-Offs for Models
NAICS business codeYour NAICS business code is a six-digit string of numbers that shows the type of work your business does. NAICS stands for North American Industry Classification System. When you do your taxes, you'll enter it in Box B of your Schedule C.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!
You can write off makeup, nail, and haircare services if they're required for a gig.
Enhancing and learning new skills through acting or modeling classes is deductible.
Commission fees you pay for agency representation are fully deductible.
Any equipment you use to shoot promotional tapes, portraits, and more can be written off.
Getting professional headshots done to book acting and model gigs can be written off.
Part of your actual phone's cost, monthly phone bill, and any accessories you use for work can be written off.
Subscriptions and licenses for Photoshop, Lightroom, and other software can be deducted.
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 for a meeting downtown, or any other work trip, is tax-deductible!
A toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible!
If you buy a new car, you can write off part of the cost every year for five years.
Flashlights, tire iron, duct tape, and other tools you may need in your vehicle are deductible.
Car insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible.
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!
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.
Planes, trains, and car rentals are all work-related travel costs that can be written off.
When you travel for work, lodging expenses such as hotel rooms or Airbnb are write-offs.
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.
A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs.
You can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property.
Gotta keep the lights on in your home office! A portion of your electricity bill counts.
Whether it's rental or homeowners insurance, you can write off a portion through your home office deduction.
It'd be hard to work in an office without running water, huh? Your water bill counts.
Your Comcast bill is a tax write-off. You need internet to do your job!
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