25 Tax Write-Offs for Freelance Recruiters

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As a freelance recruiter, you spend a lot of your time helping companies find candidates that are "the right fit." But do you also know how to spot qualified tax deductions?

The cost of a ticket to a networking event, email marketing software, or setting up a stall at a job fair can be claimed on your Schedule C to lower your tax bill.

And that's just the tip of the iceberg. Read on for our list of common write-offs for recruiters!

🎟️
Networking events
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Tickets and entry fees to networking events to grow your client base can be written off.

🖥️
Lead generation software
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

Software for CRM, lead generation, or email marketing is a write-off.

📧
Email marketing software
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

Write off any email marketing software like Mailchimp or ActiveCampaign.

📝
Office supplies
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

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

📆
Scheduling software
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

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

💬
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.

🛠️
Contract labor
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 11

Write off the fees you pay to contract labor to help you complete projects.

📱
Phone, laptop, accessories
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

If buy a phone or laptop and use it for work, it's partially deductible.

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If you drive for work ...

Driving to pick up office supplies or to attend a networking event, job fair, or seminar? Don't forget to write off your car expenses!

🅿️
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 ...

Dining expenses are partially deductible when they're incurred for business purposes. Like meeting with a potential hire or fellow recruiter to talk about work-related matters.

🍔
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 ...

Attend a recruiting conference or networking event in another city? As long as it's at least 100 miles away from your home, you can write off the travel costs.

🛫
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 ...

As a recruiter, you might work from an at-home desk on a number of things, such as:

  • Attending virtual recruitment events
  • Conducting first-round interviews over Zoom
  • Creating ads for new job postings
  • Keeping up-to-date with industry advances in recruiting tech, DEI, and more

If this applies to you, remember to write off part of your home office expenses.

🛋️
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!