30 Tax Deductions for Actors | Beem

NAICS code: 711510

Acting is a tough job. While it might be a dream come true for you, as an independent actor, you could be juggling long hours and shifting work timings that can leave you mentally and physically drained. In that case, do you really have time after all that to figure out your taxes?
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If you are an independent actor, you can deduct most of what you spent on a film, show or promotion along with research expenses. At the end of the year, it is all about getting your money back.

We have put together a list of the most common write-offs for independent actors that you can use to deduct your expenses.

Beauty services

Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 27a

You can write off makeup, nail, haircare services if they’re required for a gig.
Coaching & classes

Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 27a

Enhancing and learning new skills through acting or modeling classes is deductible.
Agency commissions

Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 10

Commission fees you pay for agency representation are fully deductible.
Camera equipment

Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 22

Any equipment you use to shoot promotional tapes, portraits, and more can be written off.
Headshots

Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 8

Getting professional headshots done to book acting and model gigs can be written off.
Union dues

Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 27a

If you belong to a union, go ahead and write off your dues.

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🌐 Website & hosting fees
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 8
Squarespace, Wix, GoDaddy, and other website service fees are fully tax-deductible.
🖼️ Professional photos
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 11
Hiring a photographer to take professional photos for your portfolio can be deducted.
👙Costumes & accessories
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 27a
Costumes for photoshoots, dance performances, or acting gigs are write-offs.
📱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.
📚 Educational books
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 27a
Educational books to increase your knowledge and skills are tax write-offs.
📝 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.
😎 Self-promotional materials
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 8
Audition tapes, portfolios, business cards: write off anything you use to promote yourself.
🎫 Performance tickets
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 27a
For you, seeing a show counts as research. Study up and write it off!
📱 Social media tools
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 18
Write off the tools you use to create assets, schedule posts, or pull analytics.

If you drive for work ...

You might spend a lot of your time zipping around town to meet clients, finish assignments and do your research among other tasks. Luckily, you can write off car-related expenses like maintenance and gas. Keep these tax write-offs in mind as a growing .

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 ...

Networking is a core practice of a successful and it can also be added to your tax write-offs. You likely often meet clients or people in your field at restaurants to chat about work, discuss projects and sign deals. When you do, remember to write off your business meal expenses.

🍔 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 ...

Meeting an out-of-town client, attending a conference or networking is all part of the job. There are many reasons for you to travel for work as a busy and they can all be added as tax write-offs. They also count as business trips, 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 ...

When you’re not busy working outside, you might spend your time working from your home as a successful and many activities count as tax write-offs. These include business plans, promotional work and coming up with new strategies. In this case, don’t forget to write off your home office expenses!

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!