26 Tax Deductions for Photographers | Beem

NAICS code: 541920

It is the nature of photographers to see beauty in the ugliest of circumstances. We are not going to lie – sometimes, it can be hard to see the beauty in a tax return because it can be overwhelming.

There’s a very easy way for freelance photographers to turn a negative into a lushly colored print: There’s one simple trick that you can use, and you don’t even have to spend any time working on it. As a result, you will be able to lower your tax bill if you use the expenses you incur on a regular basis for your business – such as the equipment you need for filming to the travel expenses you incur to reach a location for a shoot – as expenses on your business. It won’t be long before your savings look as pretty as a picture!

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

📷 Camera & equipment
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 22
Tax deductions are available for cameras, tripods, lenses, and other equipment.
💻 Photo editing software
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 18
It is possible to deduct subscriptions and licenses to Photoshop, Lightroom, and other software programs.
🔑Photo studio
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 20b
You can deduct the cost of renting a studio or office space for conducting photoshoots, developing films, or doing other work.
📓Photography classes
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 27a
The cost of courses you take to learn new techniques or refine your skills can be deducted from your taxes.
🎭 Photoshoot props
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 22
Photoshoot props are considered write-offs when purchased for client photoshoots.
🎨Creative assistance
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 11
If you need to hire an editor, designer, photographer, or another creative pro, write off what you pay them.

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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.
📱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.
📱 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.
📣Online advertising
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 8
Ad campaigns on Facebook, Google, Instagram, and more are all deductible on your taxes.
☁️Photo storage
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 18
Write off your Dropbox account or external hard drive if you use these services to deliver photos to clients.
🗃️Business cards
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 8
You can write off business cards with your contact information as it counts as advertising expenses.

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!