As a freelance recruiter, you spend a lot of your time helping companies find candidates that are "the right fit." But do you also know how to spot qualified tax deductions?
The cost of a ticket to a networking event, email marketing software, or setting up a stall at a job fair can be claimed on your Schedule C to lower your tax bill.
And that's just the tip of the iceberg. Read on for our list of common write-offs for recruiters!
Schedule C, Box 27a
Tickets and entry fees to networking events to grow your client base can be written off.
Schedule C, Box 18
Software for CRM, lead generation, or email marketing is a write-off.
Schedule C, Box 18
Write off any email marketing software like Mailchimp or ActiveCampaign.
Schedule C, Box 18
Deduct anything you buy for your office, like pens, binders, folders, printer ink, or a whiteboard.
Schedule C, Box 18
Software for scheduling or hosting meetings, like Zoom or Calendly, is tax-deductible.
Schedule C, Box 8
Print and online advertising costs for your business are considered write-offs.
Schedule C, Box 8
Squarespace, Wix, GoDaddy, and other website service fees are fully tax-deductible.
Schedule C, Box 11
Write off the fees you pay to contract labor to help you complete projects.
Schedule C, Box 27a
If buy a phone or laptop and use it for work, it's partially deductible.
Driving to pick up office supplies or to attend a networking event, job fair, or seminar? Don't forget 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.
Dining expenses are partially deductible when they're incurred for business purposes. Like meeting with a potential hire or fellow recruiter to talk about work-related matters.
Schedule C, Box 24b
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!
Attend a recruiting conference or networking event in another city? As long as it's at least 100 miles away from your home, you can write off the travel costs.
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 recruiter, you might work from an at-home desk on a number of things, such as:
- Attending virtual recruitment events
- Conducting first-round interviews over Zoom
- Creating ads for new job postings
- Keeping up-to-date with industry advances in recruiting tech, DEI, and more
If this applies to you, remember to write off part of 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!
