27 Tax Write-Offs for Freelance Translators & Interpreters
Whether you're translating court documents or speculative fiction, you know at least two languages — perhaps even several. But can you speak "IRS"?
If the rules around filing your self-employment taxes feel more like gibberish, don't worry, you're not alone in that. Keeper is here to be your own personal IRS translator!
We have a guide that breaks down the tax filing process into simple, easy-to-understand steps. We also have this list of the best write-offs for translators to help lower your tax bill. Keep both handy at tax time, and whether you work on ancient Greek or ASL, you can let your savings speak for themselves.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Write off any fees you pay to become a certified translator, like for the ATA exam or language-specific exams like the HSK.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Foreign dictionaries, grammars, and lexicons used for translation can be deducted. That goes for app versions too!
Schedule C, Box 18
Write off subscriptions or licensing fees for translation software.
Schedule C, Box 18
Writing tools like Grammarly and Hemingway are tax-deductible. So are word processors like Scrivener and transcription software for interviews.
Schedule C, Box 18
Deduct anything you buy for your office, like pens, binders, folders, printer ink, or a whiteboard.
Schedule C, Box 27a
If buy a phone or laptop and use it for work, it's partially deductible.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Classes you take to enhance your skills after getting your license are tax write-offs.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Keeping up with the latest trends and techniques with books and courses can be written off.
Schedule C, Box 8
Squarespace, Wix, GoDaddy, and other website service fees are fully tax-deductible.
Schedule C, Box 8
Print and online advertising costs for your business are considered write-offs.
Schedule C, Box 11
Write off the fees you pay to contract labor to help you complete projects.
Track and claim every eligible deduction with Keeper
Keeper is the top-rated all-in-one business expense tracker, tax filing service, and personal accountant.
If things get lost in translation when you read up on IRS rules, let us clear up car-related deductions. As long as you drive your car for work — like to pick up office supplies, meet a client, or attend an event you're interpreting — you can write off expenses related to your car.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Parking for a meeting downtown, or any other work trip, is tax-deductible!
Schedule C, Box 27a
A toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible!
Schedule C, Box 13
If you buy a new car, you can write off part of the cost every year for five years.
Schedule C, Box 22
Flashlights, tire iron, duct tape, and other tools you may need in your vehicle are deductible.
Schedule C, Box 15
Car insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible.
Schedule C, Box 9
Oil changes, repairs, and regular checkups are all tax-deductible if you drive for work.
If you go to a restaurant or coffee shop to chat about a project you're working on or industry insights with a teacher, client, an author you're translating, or a fellow translator or terp, remember to claim the business meal deductions.
Schedule C, Box 24b
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!
Trips that are directly related to your work, like attending a translation conference or meeting with an out-of-town client, count as business trips and the costs can be written off on your taxes.
Schedule C, Box 24a
Planes, trains, and car rentals are all work-related travel costs that can be written off.
Schedule C, Box 24a
When you travel for work, lodging expenses such as hotel rooms or Airbnb are write offs.
Schedule C, Box 24a
When you're traveling for work, all meals are tax-deductible. Even takeout!
If you WFH on things like translation projects for clients or attending virtual meetings, you can claim home office deductions.
Schedule C, Box 18
A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs.
Schedule C, Box 21
You can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property.
Form 8829
Gotta keep the lights on in your home office! A portion of your electricity bill counts.
Form 8829
Whether it's rental or homeowners insurance, you can write off a portion through your home office deduction.
Form 8829
It'd be hard to work in an office without running water, huh? You water bill counts.
Schedule C, Box 25
Your Comcast bill is a tax write-off. You need internet to do your job!
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