Is there anything better than bringing designs to life through costuming? How about saving money on your taxes simply by doing the same work you already love? By claiming the ordinary business expenses you encounter every day — from fabric to sewing machines and more — you can significantly lower your tax bill. And we’ve made it even easier, by stitching together all the best write-offs for costume designers.
With so many bolts of write-offs to choose from, the only hard part will be figuring out what new look would best celebrate your savings!
Schedule C, Box 22
Fabric, needles, thread, buttons, and other materials you use to make costumes are deductible.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Write off what you use to sew, from your Singer to lubricating oils and replacement seam guides.
Schedule C, Box 22
Sketch books, pencils, dress forms, and other supplies you use to design costumes are deductible.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Subscriptions to fashion magazines and industry newsletters are write-offs.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Attending movies, plays, or other events to keep up with your field counts as work-related education.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Keeping up with the latest trends and techniques with books and courses can be written off.
Unless you happen to have an impressively stocked textile closet at hand, you'll likely need to drive to pick up fabric or supplies. Or for other things, like meeting a client, attending a cultural event, or driving to rehearsals. Luckily, work-related drives allow you to write off some 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!
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If you buy a new car, you can write off part of the cost every year for five years.
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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.
According to the IRS, grabbing a bite or drink with directors, producers, actors, or fellow costume designers to talk about work is considered a business meal. This means you can write the cost off on your taxes.
Schedule C, Box 24b
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!
If you have to travel to an industry conference or a meeting with a client you're designing a costume for, you can write off your work-related travel expenses.
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!
Home office expenses can be deducted if you have a designated workspace at home. This might be your desk, where you work on client development, conduct industry research, and manage your inventory. Or it might be your sewing table, where you design and work on costumes.
Schedule C, Box 18
A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs.
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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!
