Testing, testing, one, two, three… Can you hear us?
It’s Keeper, and we’re bringing you a clear, static-free way to save on your tax bill. Simply by claiming the everyday sort of business purchases you already make as an audio engineer you’ll be able to lower the distortion level of your yearly taxes.
And to keep things simple, we’ve gathered the best write-offs for audio engineers, all in one place. How does that sound to you?
Schedule C, Box 22
PA systems, cables, mics, and other hardware used to record or project music is tax-deductible.
Schedule C, Box 15
If you insure equipment or instruments, the insurance for them is tax-deductible.
Schedule C, Box 18
Adobe, Audacity, GarageBand are necessary for the job and therefore tax-deductible.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Attending performances allows you to learn about industry trends. That makes them deductible.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Instruments, cases, bows, music stands, even your music library are tax-deductible expenses.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Any dues for associations like the Audio Engineering Society are deductible.
If you drive to performances or meetings with artists, other clients, or agents, remember to 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.
A toast to saving money with write-offs!If you grab food or drinks with fellow engineers and producers, agents, promoters, or artists, feel free to write off the cost of your meal.
Schedule C, Box 24b
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!
Why might an audio engineer travel for work? To attend an industry conference, perform at an out-of-town venue, or meet with artists and agents that don't live in your city. The costs of such trips can be written off 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!
A lot of freelance audio engineers work remotely, from an actual in-home studio or just from a desk with a really good pair of headphones.If you work on audio production, conduct artist and industry research, or manage finances and paperwork from home, you can 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!
