26 Tax Write-Offs/Deductions for Independent Artists



NAICS code: 711510

Being an independent artist is no easy feat. You spend days and nights creating beautiful art. Meanwhile, during your free time, you are always on the lookout for customers who would be willing to purchase your art. You break your back while trying to earn some money. It’s a smart idea to get to know a list of expenses that you can claim as tax write-offs instead of giving your laborious money to the IRS. 

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

Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 18

If you use any paid software for content creation or for editing pictures and videos, you can write them off.

🖌️ Studio fee

Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 20b

If you go to any studio to work and don’t work from home, you can write this expense off. This includes studio rent and bills.

🎨Creative assistance

Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 11

When you employ an editor, assistant, or designer to help in creating content, you can use this expense to write the taxes off!

☁️ Data Storage
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 18

If you use Dropbox or a hard drive to store heavy files that are work-related, you can write them off.
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🎓 Art classes

Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 27a

If you have taken any classes to improve your skills as an artist, it’s considered write-offs.

🎨Art supplies

Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 38 (COGS)

Any paint, canvases, sculpting mediums, easels, and other art materials can be written off.


🎟️Cultural events & museums

Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 27a

Attending museum exhibits and cultural events to network and gain inspiration is deductible.

🎭Gallery fees

Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 10

Write off any fees you pay to exhibit your art in a gallery.

🖼️Framing

Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 22

Frames or any framing services that you use to showcase your art 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.

😎 Self-promotional materials

Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 8

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.