26 Tax Write-Offs for Independent Tattoo Artists

NAICS business code: 812990

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You likely decided to become a freelance tattoo artist because you're creative and enjoy working with people. It probably wasn't because the idea of filing self-employment taxes fills you with joy.

The good news is, freelancers and business owners like you can write off business expenses necessary for their business. These can include anything from the cost of tattoo supplies to an art magazine subscription that inspires your designs.

So if you get expense-tracking down to a fine art (say, with the help of an app like Keeper), you'll be sure to find the process of filing your return less stressful thanks to all your tax savings. Let's go through even more examples.

Tattoo supplies

Write off everything you use to for tattooing, including needles, ink, disinfectant, and more.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 22

Training & licenses

Write off fees for training and the certifications you need to work as a tattoo artist.

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

Studio supplies

Lights, backdrops, and other supplies you use to film are considered tax write-offs.

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

Studio space

If you rent a studio or office, you can write it off.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 20b

Art-related subscriptions

Subscriptions to industry-relevant magazines or newsletters are considered tax write-offs.

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

Website & hosting fees

Squarespace, Wix, GoDaddy, and other website service fees are fully tax-deductible.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 8

Advertising

Print and online advertising costs for your business are considered write-offs.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 8

Social media tools

Write off the tools you use to create assets, schedule posts, or pull analytics.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 18

Creative assistance

If you need to hire an editor, designer, photographer, or other creative pro, write off what you pay them.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 11

Phone, laptop, accessories

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

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

If you drive for work ...

If you drive to and from studios or to pick up tattoo supplies, you can claim car expenses on your Schedule C.

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 ...

If you meet a client over food or drink to talk about a tattoo they're hoping you to work on, go ahead and write off the business meal.

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 ...

Going to an out-of-town tattoo convention or masterclass? Write off your travel costs.

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 do at least some of your work from a dedicated home workstation, like coming up with new tattoo designs, working on client development, or managing your professional social media, don't forget to claim home office write-offs.

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!