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Freelance tax write-offs checklist

Not tax advice — a practical list so freelancers catch common business expenses before April. Confirm eligibility with IRS publications or a preparer; rules and limits change.

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Write-off categories freelancers forget

• Software & subscriptions — design tools, hosting, email, accounting apps used for the business
• Equipment — laptop, camera, phone (business %); larger buys may need depreciation help
• Internet & phone — business portion only; document the split
• Home office — exclusive and regular use tests; simplified vs regular method
• Mileage or vehicle — standard mileage vs actual; keep trip purpose notes
• Education & courses — skills that maintain or improve current work (not new careers, usually)
• Marketing — ads, portfolio site fees, business cards, directory listings
• Professional services — CPA, bookkeeper, attorney, contractor helpers (1099 rules apply)
• Insurance — business liability; health insurance rules differ for self-employed
• Bank & payment fees — processor fees, business account charges
• Supplies & shipping — materials consumed delivering the work
• Travel & meals — business purpose; meals often limited — keep who/why notes

Quarterly habit that saves April

1. Log date, vendor, amount, category, and business purpose the week you spend
2. Photograph or PDF receipts; name files by date
3. Reconcile monthly; estimate quarterly taxes so underpayment penalties stay rare

Deeper dives: Schedule C deductions checklist, quarterly estimated taxes, home office spreadsheet vs apps.

Tax software note

Self-employed tax software (TurboTax placeholder, H&R Block placeholder, TaxAct placeholder) can walk interview questions — still need clean source records. Affiliate links TBD after network approval.