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.
🌐 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.