23 Tax Write-Offs for Virtual Assistants

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As a VA, your attention to detail is probably second to none. And this is likely very helpful at tax time! But allow us to lend you a hand now with this list of tax write-offs for virtual assistants.

Remember: Most business-related expenses can be deducted from your return, whether it's office supplies, productivity software, or ads promoting your services. Read on for more examples that'll help you save money when tax season arrives!

📚
Books & courses
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Keeping up with the latest trends and techniques with books and courses can be written off.

📝
Office supplies
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

Deduct anything you buy for your office, like pens, binders, folders, printer ink, or a whiteboard.

👨‍💻
Productivity software
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

Software you use for invoicing, tracking expenses, creating timesheets, and so on is deductible.

🌐
Website & hosting fees
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 8

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

📣
Online advertising
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 8

Ad campaigns on Google, Meta, TikTok, and more are all deductible on your taxes.

📱
Phone, laptop, accessories
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

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

📞
Headset
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

If you use a headset for hands-free calls with customers, make sure to write it off.

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If you drive for work ...

As a virtual assistant, you might need to drive to pick up office supplies or client meetings.In this case, don't forget to claim vehicle-related expenses on your taxes.

🅿️
Parking
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Parking for a meeting downtown, or any other work trip, is tax-deductible!

🛣️
Tolls
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

A toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible!

🚘
Car purchase & depreciation
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 13

If you buy a new car, you can write off part of the cost every year for five years.

🧰
Vehicle tool kit
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

Flashlights, tire iron, duct tape, and other tools you may need in your vehicle are deductible.

☂️
Car insurance & registration
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 15

Car insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible.

🔧
Car maintenance
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 9

Oil changes, repairs, and regular checkups are all tax-deductible if you drive for work.

If you discuss work at a restaurant ...

Business meals are tax-deductible, so if you go for lunch with fellow VAs to talk about industry insights or other work-related matters, you can write it off.

🍔
Business meals
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24b

If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!

If you leave town for work ...

Heading to another city for a client meeting or VA conference? This is a business trip, so you can write off your travel costs.

🛫
Transportation
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24a

Planes, trains, and car rentals are all work-related travel costs that can be written off.

🏨
Travel lodging
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24a

When you travel for work, lodging expenses such as hotel rooms or Airbnb are write offs.

🥡
Meals while traveling
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24a

When you're traveling for work, all meals are tax-deductible. Even takeout!

If you work from home ...

If your primary workspace is at home, you can deduct home office expenses for the hours you spend on things like marketing and advertising, client development, and managing paperwork.

🛋️
Home office furniture
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs.

🛠️
Property repairs
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 21

You can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property.

🔌
Power bill
Write it off using:

Form 8829

Gotta keep the lights on in your home office! A portion of your electricity bill counts.

🌪️
Property insurance
Write it off using:

Form 8829

Whether it's rental or homeowners insurance, you can write off a portion through your home office deduction.

🚰
Water bill
Write it off using:

Form 8829

It'd be hard to work in an office without running water, huh? You water bill counts.

🌐
Wi-Fi bill
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 25

Your Comcast bill is a tax write-off. You need internet to do your job!