As a self-employed referee, the ball's in your court when it comes to reducing the amount you owe in taxes. The IRS won't come to bat for you — you need to be diligent about tracking your own business expenses, so you can deduct them from your gross income and ultimately lower your tax bill.
If you're still learning the ropes of filing 1099 taxes, you might not be sure of what kinds of expenses you're allowed to deduct. That's why we've compiled this list of common write-offs for referees: to help you come out swinging when tax time approaches.
Schedule C, Box 27a
The price and upkeep of your referee uniform and shoes are tax write-offs.
Schedule C, Box 22
Whistles, flags, and other equipment for refereeing are considered tax write-offs.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Educational courses and certifications to enhance your skills are considered tax write-offs.
Schedule C, Box 18
Log books, pencils, notebooks, and other office supplies can be written off.
Schedule C, Box 27a
If you belong to any professional organizations, you can write off the dues.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Attending a sporting event is a write-off for you: you can study the plays and learn!
Your work may frequently land you on the road, driving to a sports event or picking up office supplies.Luckily, a portion of the money you spend on your car, like on insurance or repairs, can be written off your taxes.
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.
Knock your taxes out of the park by remembering to write off business meal expenses — like going for a bite or drink to talk about work with a coach, athlete, or fellow referee.
Schedule C, Box 24b
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!
The business trip deduction can be a game-changer for self-employed referees!
If you travel out of town to attend a sporting event or industry conference, you can write off your 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!
You might have gotten into refereeing because you love being on the court or field. But a lot goes into working as a freelance referee off the court, too!
Plenty refs work from home on things like industry research or managing client paperwork. In cases like these, a portion of home office expenses can be claimed on your taxes.
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!
