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.
| Type | Deduction Description | Tax Form |
|---|---|---|
| Tattoo Supplies | Write off everything you use to for tattooing, including needles, ink, disinfectant, and more. | Sch. C - Box 22 |
| Training & Licenses | Write off fees for training and the certifications you need to work as a tattoo artist. | Sch. C - Box 27a |
| Studio Supplies | Lights, backdrops, and other supplies you use to film are considered tax write-offs. | Sch. C - Box 27a |
| Studio Space | If you rent a studio or office, you can write it off. | Sch. C - Box 20b |
| Art-Related Subscriptions | Subscriptions to industry-relevant magazines or newsletters are considered tax write-offs. | Sch. C - Box 27a |
| Website & Hosting Fees | Squarespace, Wix, GoDaddy, and other website service fees are fully tax-deductible. | Sch. C - Box 8 |
| Advertising | Print and online advertising costs for your business are considered write-offs. | Sch. C - Box 8 |
| Social Media Tools | Write off the tools you use to create assets, schedule posts, or pull analytics. | Sch. C - Box 18 |
| Creative Assistance | If you need to hire an editor, designer, photographer, or other creative pro, write off what you pay them. | Sch. C - Box 11 |
| Phone, Laptop, Accessories | If buy a phone or laptop and use it for work, it's partially deductible. | Sch. C - Box 27a |
- Business Meals - | ||
| Business Meals | If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off! | Sch. C - Box 24b |
- Driving for Work - | ||
| Parking | Parking for a meeting downtown, or any other work trip, is tax-deductible! | Sch. C - Box 27a |
| Tolls | A toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible! | Sch. C - Box 27a |
| Car Purchase & Depreciation | If you buy a new car, you can write off part of the cost every year for five years. | Sch. C - Box 13 |
| Vehicle Tool Kit | Flashlights, tire iron, duct tape, and other tools you may need in your vehicle are deductible. | Sch. C - Box 22 |
| Car Insurance & Registration | Car insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible. | Sch. C - Box 15 |
| Car Maintenance | Oil changes, repairs, and regular checkups are all tax-deductible if you drive for work. | Sch. C - Box 9 |
- Traveling for Work - | ||
| Transportation | Planes, trains, and car rentals are all work-related travel costs that can be written off. | Sch. C - Box 24a |
| Travel Lodging | When you travel for work, lodging expenses such as hotel rooms or Airbnb are write offs. | Sch. C - Box 24a |
| Meals While Traveling | When you're traveling for work, all meals are tax-deductible. Even takeout! | Sch. C - Box 24a |
- Working from Home - | ||
| Home Office Furniture | A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs. | Sch. C - Box 18 |
| Property Repairs | You can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property. | Sch. C - Box 21 |
| Power Bill | Gotta keep the lights on in your home office! A portion of your electricity bill counts. | Form 8829 |
| Property Insurance | Whether it's rental or homeowners insurance, you can write off a portion through your home office deduction. | Form 8829 |
| Water Bill | It'd be hard to work in an office without running water, huh? You water bill counts. | Form 8829 |
| Wi-Fi Bill | Your Comcast bill is a tax write-off. You need internet to do your job! | Sch. C - Box 25 |