They say the customer is always right — so why not step into the role of customer the next time you file your taxes?
If you're a freelance or self-employed customer service specialist, you too are entitled to demand five-star service. And it starts by claiming all the everyday business expenses you encounter all the time!
Whether its new headsets or home office equipment, these purchases can actually save you money, which might just lower your stress and make it easier the next time you have one of Those Customers to deal with. Win-win!
Schedule C, Box 18
Computers, extra monitors, webcams, and microphones needed to teach are write-offs.
Schedule C, Box 18
If you use a headset for hands-free calls with customers, make sure to write it off.
Schedule C, Box 27a
You can write off any training or certifications you get to better support customers.
Schedule C, Box 18
Deduct anything you buy for your office, like pens, binders, folders, printer ink, or a whiteboard.
Schedule C, Box 27a
This includes uniforms or any branded items you must wear while working.
Schedule C, Box 18
Software you use for invoicing, tracking expenses, creating timesheets, and so on is deductible.
If you drive for work errands, like picking up office supplies or mailing something to a client, you can 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.
If you meet with a higher-up or fellow support representative over lunch or coffee to talk shop, you can write off the cost.
Schedule C, Box 24b
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!
Attending an industry conference or meeting with an out-of-town client are both reasons someone who works in customer support might need to travel for work.
They also count as business trips, so the associated costs 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!
CS specialists can deduct home office expenses if they work from home on tasks like taking customer calls, updating their CRMs, or taking Zoom meetings with client companies.
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!
