Love and marriage might go together like a horse and carriage. But freelancers and tax-savings are also a pretty dynamic duo. And the #1 way to lower your tax bill is to deduct your business expenses when you file your return.
Most work-related purchases can be written off your taxes, like the cost of a ticket to a trade show or the money you spend on gas when driving clients to scout wedding venues. We know you're already good at keeping track of something borrowed and something blue. Now here's a list of write-offs for wedding planners, just for you.
Schedule C, Box 8
Squarespace, Wix, GoDaddy, and other website service fees are fully tax-deductible.
Schedule C, Box 8
Print and online advertising costs for your business are considered write-offs.
Schedule C, Box 8
Business cards, postcards, and other materials used to promote yourself are deductible.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Keeping up with the latest trends and techniques with books and courses can be written off.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Tickets and entry fees to networking events to grow your client base can be written off.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Part of your actual phone's cost, monthly phone bill, and any accessories you use for work can be written off.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Subscriptions to wedding magazines, newsletters, and more are considered tax-deductible.
Schedule C, Box 8
Write off what you pay for featured listings on popular wedding sites.
Schedule C, Box 11
If you need to hire an editor, designer, photographer, or other creative pro, write off what you pay them.
A wedding planner needs to have a sense of various local vendors and wedding venues that can suit the needs of different clients. This might include a fair amount of driving from spot to spot, whether you're:
- Meeting with engaged couples or vendors
- Attending the weddings you've helped plan
- Picking up or dropping off packages
Luckily, you can write off car expenses to save money on 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.
Say "I do" to tax savings by remembering to claim business meal expenses.For example, if you go to a restaurant to chat about your services or an upcoming event with clients, venue owners, vendors, or fellow wedding planners, you can write off the costs.
Schedule C, Box 24b
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!
If you get hired to work on an out-of-town wedding or travel to an event planning conference in another city, feel free to 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!
Meeting with engaged couples or vendors, preparing budget sheets, or prepping materials for the big day are all things a wedding planner might take care of from home. If this applies to you, don't forget to claim your home office deductions.
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!
