22 Tax Write-Offs for Self-Employed Referees
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. As a self-employed referee, the ball's in your court when it comes to reducing the amount you owe in taxes. The IRS won't come to bat for you — you need to be diligent about tracking your own business expenses, so you can deduct them from your gross income and ultimately lower your tax bill.
If you're still learning the ropes of filing 1099 taxes, you might not be sure of what kinds of expenses you're allowed to deduct. That's why we've compiled this list of common write-offs for referees: to help you come out swinging when tax time approaches.
The price and upkeep of your referee uniform and shoes are tax write-offs.
Whistles, flags, and other equipment for refereeing are considered tax write-offs.
Educational courses and certifications to enhance your skills are considered tax write-offs.
Log books, pencils, notebooks, and other office supplies can be written off.
Dues for professional organizations you choose to join are deductible. One catch: if the group lobbies, the share of your dues it spends on lobbying isn't deductible, and it has to tell you what that percentage is.
Attending a sporting event is a write-off for you: you can study the plays and learn!
If you drive for work ...
Your work may frequently land you on the road, driving to a sports event or picking up office supplies.Luckily, a portion of the money you spend on your car, like on insurance or repairs, can be written off your taxes.
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 ...
Knock your taxes out of the park by remembering to write off business meal expenses — like going for a bite or drink to talk about work with a coach, athlete, or fellow referee.
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.
If you leave town for work ...
The business trip deduction can be a game-changer for self-employed referees!
If you travel out of town to attend a sporting event or industry conference, you can write off 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, 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.
If you work from home ...
You might have gotten into refereeing because you love being on the court or field. But a lot goes into working as a freelance referee off the court, too!
Plenty refs work from home on things like industry research or managing client paperwork. In cases like these, a portion of home office expenses can be claimed on your taxes.
A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs.
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.
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? You water bill counts.
Your Comcast bill is a tax write-off. You need internet to do your job!
You may also enjoy learning about ...
Put Keeper to work on your taxes
AI finds every deduction, tax pros review every return. Try it free.
Get started