Let’s face it, acting is a grueling job. While you probably wouldn’t trade it for the world, the long hours and shifting schedules can easily leave you mentally and physically exhausted. Who has time after that to figure out your taxes?
That’s why we’ve taken the guesswork out. Here, we break down all the expenses you can write off as an actor — saving you money, and freeing up more time to practice your lines.
Get ready to yell "Cut!" at your tax bill, because this gig’s been wrapped.
Schedule C, Box 27a
You can write off makeup, nail, haircare services if they're required for a gig.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Enhancing and learning new skills through acting or modeling classes is deductible.
Schedule C, Box 10
Commission fees you pay for agency representation are fully deductible.
Schedule C, Box 22
Any equipment you use to shoot promotional tapes, portraits, and more can be written off.
Schedule C, Box 8
Getting professional headshots done to book acting and model gigs can be written off.
Schedule C, Box 27a
If you belong to a union, go ahead and write off your dues.
Schedule C, Box 8
Squarespace, Wix, GoDaddy, and other website service fees are fully tax-deductible.
Schedule C, Box 11
Hiring a photographer to take professional photos for your portfolio can be deducted.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Costumes for photoshoots, dance performances, or acting gigs are write-offs.
Schedule C, Box 27a
If buy a phone or laptop and use it for work, it's partially deductible.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Educational books to increase your knowledge and skills are tax write-offs.
Schedule C, Box 18
Deduct anything you buy for your office, like pens, binders, folders, printer ink, or a whiteboard.
Schedule C, Box 8
Audition tapes, portfolios, business cards: write off anything you use to promote yourself.
Schedule C, Box 27a
For you, seeing a show counts as research. Study up and write it off!
Schedule C, Box 18
Write off the tools you use to create assets, schedule posts, or pull analytics.
If you drive to auditions, acting classes, or to meetings with your agent, go ahead and write off your car expenses.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Parking for a meeting downtown, or any other work trip, is tax-deductible!
Schedule C, Box 27a
A toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible!
Schedule C, Box 13
If you buy a new car, you can write off part of the cost every year for five years.
Schedule C, Box 22
Flashlights, tire iron, duct tape, and other tools you may need in your vehicle are deductible.
Schedule C, Box 15
Car insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible.
Schedule C, Box 9
Oil changes, repairs, and regular checkups are all tax-deductible if you drive for work.
Networking is likely a big part of your job as an actor.Luckily, grabbing food or drinks with agents, clients, lawyers, or coaches all count as business meals you can write off.
Schedule C, Box 24b
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!
"Have headshot, will travel." Sound familiar?
Even if you live in a media hub like Los Angeles or New York City, you'll likely still find yourself traveling for on-location shoots, meetings with out-of-town clients, or non-local auditions. These are all travel expenses that can be claimed on your taxes.
Schedule C, Box 24a
Planes, trains, and car rentals are all work-related travel costs that can be written off.
Schedule C, Box 24a
When you travel for work, lodging expenses such as hotel rooms or Airbnb are write offs.
Schedule C, Box 24a
When you're traveling for work, all meals are tax-deductible. Even takeout!
As a freelance actor, you probably do just as much work at home as in front of the camera. Such as recording auditions, developing branding and marketing materials, and taking care of administrative work.
Don't forget to write off your home office expenses!
Schedule C, Box 18
A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs.
Schedule C, Box 21
You can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property.
Form 8829
Gotta keep the lights on in your home office! A portion of your electricity bill counts.
Form 8829
Whether it's rental or homeowners insurance, you can write off a portion through your home office deduction.
Form 8829
It'd be hard to work in an office without running water, huh? You water bill counts.
Schedule C, Box 25
Your Comcast bill is a tax write-off. You need internet to do your job!
