26 Tax Write-Offs for Independent Tattoo Artists
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.812990
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.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.
Write off everything you use to for tattooing, including needles, ink, disinfectant, and more.
Write off fees for training and the certifications you need to work as a tattoo artist.
Lights, backdrops, and other supplies you use to film are considered tax write-offs.
If you rent a studio or office, you can write it off.
Subscriptions to tattoo magazines and artist newsletters are considered tax write-offs.
Squarespace, Wix, GoDaddy, and other website service fees are fully tax-deductible.
Print and online advertising costs for your business are considered write-offs.
Write off the tools you use to create assets, schedule posts, or pull analytics.
If you need to hire an editor, designer, photographer, or other creative pro, write off what you pay them.
If you buy a phone or laptop and use it for work, it's partially deductible.
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 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 ...
If you meet a client over food or drink to talk about a tattoo they're hoping you'll work on, go ahead and write off the business meal.
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!
If you leave town for work ...
Going to an out-of-town tattoo convention or masterclass? Write off your travel costs.
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 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.
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!
You may also enjoy learning about ...
Advertising Expenses and How To Claim Them
Advertising is a great way to attract new customers and keep old ones, and it’s also 100% tax deductible. Find out creative ways to increase your advertising write-off.
By Sarah York, EA
Is My Subscription A Tax Deduction?
How To Deduct Your Cell Phone Bill on Your Taxes
Can You Write Off Clothes for Work?
The Last Schedule C Guide You'll Ever Need
How To File Your Self-Employment Taxes in 7 Easy Steps
Track and claim every eligible deduction with Keeper
Keeper scans your accounts for write-offs and files your return — with tax pros reviewing every one.
Try it free