Stop leaving money on the table—these overlooked deductions can boost your tax savings.
Introduction
Freelancers wear a lot of hats—and when tax season rolls around, many forget to wear the accountant hat. While you might already deduct major expenses like your laptop or office supplies, chances are you’re overlooking some smaller (but impactful) tax write-offs. These missed deductions can add up and reduce what you owe the IRS.
Here are freelancer write-offs you might be missing—and how to start claiming them.
1. Home Office Expenses
Even if it’s just a corner of your bedroom, if it’s exclusively used for work, you can deduct it.
- What qualifies? A dedicated workspace in your home.
- What can you deduct? A portion of rent/mortgage, utilities, internet, and repairs.
- Pro tip: Use the simplified method if tracking exact expenses is overwhelming.
2. Phone & Internet Bills
If you’re using your phone or internet for work—even partially—you can deduct a percentage.
- How much? Only the portion used for work. For example, 60% work use = 60% deductible.
- Bonus tip: Keep a log for one month to estimate usage.
3. Software Subscriptions
If you pay for tools like Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva Pro, Grammarly, or even Notion—they’re likely deductible.
- What qualifies? Software or apps directly related to your freelance services.
- Keep track of: Monthly or annual billing statements.
4. Education & Training
Learning to level up your skills? Write it off.
- Includes: Online courses, webinars, books, workshops, certifications.
- Must be: Relevant to your current freelance work—not for a brand new trade.
5. Marketing & Advertising
Your efforts to get clients aren’t just good for business—they’re good for taxes too.
- Write off: Website hosting, domain names, social media ads, portfolio platforms, business cards.
- Don’t forget: Pinterest and Facebook ad spends count too.
6. Bank & Payment Processing Fee
Freelancers often forget they can deduct things like:
- Transaction or currency conversion charges
- PayPal, Stripe, or Square fees
- Monthly business bank account fees
7. Workspace Decor & Ergonomics
If you bought a comfy chair, ring light, or new monitor to help you work—it might count.
- What’s eligible? Items that are ordinary and necessary for your freelance work.
- Gray areas: Decor is deductible only if it contributes to your work environment (like a Zoom background).
8. Business Meals & Coffee Shops
Did you meet with a client over coffee? Or work from a café?
- Deduct 50% of client-related meals or meals while traveling for work.
- Track receipts and note who you met with and why.
9. Travel for Work
Headed to a conference or client meeting?
- Important: Travel must be primarily for business purposes.
- Deduct: Flights, lodging, car rentals, mileage, and meals.
10. Insurance Premiums
You may be able to deduct:
- Business liability insurance
- Errors & omissions insurance
- Health insurance (if you’re self-employed and meet IRS criteria)
Final Thoughts
Tax time doesn’t have to be scary if you know where to look. Many freelancers underreport deductions simply because they don’t realize what qualifies. The IRS allows you to write off anything “ordinary and necessary” for your business—so use that to your advantage.
✅ Want to simplify this process?
Download the Free Freelancer Write-Off Checklist from Taylor’s Toolkit and never miss a deduction again.