27 Tax Write-Offs for Freelance Translators & Interpreters
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.541930
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.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.
Write off any fees you pay to become a certified translator, like for the ATA exam or language-specific exams like the HSK.
Foreign dictionaries, grammars, and lexicons used for translation can be deducted. That goes for app versions too!
Write off subscriptions or licensing fees for translation software.
Writing tools like Grammarly and Hemingway are tax-deductible. So are word processors like Scrivener and transcription software for interviews.
Deduct anything you buy for your office, like pens, binders, folders, printer ink, or a whiteboard.
If you buy a phone or laptop and use it for work, it's partially deductible.
Classes you take to enhance your skills after getting your license are tax write-offs.
Keeping up with the latest trends and techniques with books and courses can be written off.
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 fees you pay to contract labor to help you complete projects.
If you drive for work ...
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.
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 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.
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!
If you leave town for work ...
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.
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 WFH on things like translation projects for clients or attending virtual meetings, you can claim home office deductions.
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!
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