Tattoo Tax Savings

Tattoo Artist

Why did you become a tattoo artist?

It was probably because you’re creative and enjoy helping others to express themselves through your art. We doubt it was because you enjoy filing your self-employment taxes. 😉

Luckily, freelancers like you can save money by organizing your business wisely and becoming aware of all your business deductions. You can save money on many expenses including the cost of tattoo supplies or even a subscription to a favorite art magazine that helps inspire your tattoo designs.

Tattoo Artist - NAICS Code: 812990

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is the standard used by Federal statistical agencies in classifying business establishments for the purpose of collecting, analyzing, and publishing statistical data related to the U.S. business economy.

Tattoo artists usually learn their craft via an apprenticeship under a trained and experienced mentor. Tattoo artists create original tattoo designs for their customers, tattooists use flash (pre-drawn, stock images) or variations of known designs. ~ Source Wikipedia

The most common tax deductions for tattoo artists are listed below.

TypeDeduction DescriptionTax Form
Tattoo SuppliesWrite off everything you use to for tattooing, including needles, ink, disinfectant, and more.Sch. C - Box 22
Training & LicensesWrite off fees for training and the certifications you need to work as a tattoo artist.Sch. C - Box 27a
Studio SuppliesLights, backdrops, and other supplies you use to film are considered tax write-offs.Sch. C - Box 27a
Studio SpaceIf you rent a studio or office, you can write it off.Sch. C - Box 20b
Art-Related SubscriptionsSubscriptions to industry-relevant magazines or newsletters are considered tax write-offs.Sch. C - Box 27a
Website & Hosting FeesSquarespace, Wix, GoDaddy, and other website service fees are fully tax-deductible.Sch. C - Box 8
AdvertisingPrint and online advertising costs for your business are considered write-offs.Sch. C - Box 8
Social Media ToolsWrite off the tools you use to create assets, schedule posts, or pull analytics.Sch. C - Box 18
Creative AssistanceIf you need to hire an editor, designer, photographer, or other creative pro, write off what you pay them.Sch. C - Box 11
Phone, Laptop, AccessoriesIf buy a phone or laptop and use it for work, it's partially deductible.Sch. C - Box 27a

- Business Meals -

Business MealsIf you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!Sch. C - Box 24b

- Driving for Work -

ParkingParking for a meeting downtown, or any other work trip, is tax-deductible!Sch. C - Box 27a
TollsA toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible!Sch. C - Box 27a
Car Purchase & DepreciationIf you buy a new car, you can write off part of the cost every year for five years.Sch. C - Box 13
Vehicle Tool KitFlashlights, tire iron, duct tape, and other tools you may need in your vehicle are deductible.Sch. C - Box 22
Car Insurance & RegistrationCar insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible.Sch. C - Box 15
Car MaintenanceOil changes, repairs, and regular checkups are all tax-deductible if you drive for work.Sch. C - Box 9

- Traveling for Work -

TransportationPlanes, trains, and car rentals are all work-related travel costs that can be written off.Sch. C - Box 24a
Travel LodgingWhen you travel for work, lodging expenses such as hotel rooms or Airbnb are write offs.Sch. C - Box 24a
Meals While TravelingWhen you're traveling for work, all meals are tax-deductible. Even takeout!Sch. C - Box 24a

- Working from Home -

Home Office FurnitureA desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs.Sch. C - Box 18
Property RepairsYou can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property.Sch. C - Box 21
Power BillGotta keep the lights on in your home office! A portion of your electricity bill counts.Form 8829
Property InsuranceWhether it's rental or homeowners insurance, you can write off a portion through your home office deduction.Form 8829
Water BillIt'd be hard to work in an office without running water, huh? You water bill counts.Form 8829
Wi-Fi BillYour Comcast bill is a tax write-off. You need internet to do your job!Sch. C - Box 25
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