TaxClutch Blog
What Expenses Can Freelancers Deduct from Taxes?
TaxClutch Team1 min read
If it's ordinary and necessary for your business, it's deductible. The hard part isn't knowing the rule — it's remembering everything that qualifies. Here's the comprehensive freelancer deduction list, organized by category, that most people overlook in pieces.
Software and Tools
- Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere)
- Figma, Sketch, Framer, Webflow
- Notion, Slack, Asana, Trello, ClickUp
- Zoom Pro, Loom, Calendly
- Domain registration and web hosting
- Email service (Gmail Workspace, ProtonMail Pro)
- Accounting software (TaxClutch, QuickBooks, FreshBooks)
Equipment
- Laptop, monitor, keyboard, mouse
- Camera, microphone, lighting (for video calls or content)
- Drawing tablet, digital pen
- Printer, scanner
- Headphones, webcam
- Furniture used in home office (desk, chair, shelving)
Home Office
Business percentage of rent or mortgage interest, utilities, insurance, internet, repairs to the office space. See our full home office guide for the calculation methods.
Internet and Phone (Business Percentage)
Estimate your business-use percentage and deduct that share. Most freelancers can defensibly claim 60-100% of internet and 50-80% of phone bills if they primarily use them for client work.
Professional Development
- Online courses (Maven, Coursera, Udemy)
- Books and ebooks related to your field
- Conferences and workshops (registration + travel)
- Industry magazine subscriptions
- Coaching or mentoring fees
Marketing
- Facebook, Google, LinkedIn ads
- Portfolio website costs (hosting, domain, themes)
- Branding (logo design, business cards, headshots)
- Email marketing tools (ConvertKit, Mailchimp)
- Sponsorships and content collaborations
Travel and Mileage
Business travel (flights, hotels, ground transit) is fully deductible. Vehicle mileage at $0.67/mile in 2025 (or actual vehicle expenses, business percentage). Meals on travel days are 50% deductible.
Health Insurance and Retirement
100% of self-employed health insurance premiums (above-the-line). SEP-IRA contributions up to 25% of net self-employment income (max $70,000 in 2025). Solo 401(k) is an alternative with similar limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the test for whether something is deductible?
The IRS uses the 'ordinary and necessary' test. Ordinary means common in your line of work. Necessary means helpful for your business. Both must be true for an expense to be deductible.
Can I deduct clothes for work?
Generally no. Even if you bought a suit for client meetings, the IRS considers it personal because you can wear it elsewhere. The exception is uniforms, costumes, or branded clothing not suitable for everyday wear.
What about coffee shop work sessions?
The coffee itself is tricky. A laptop fee for a co-working space or a regular work-spot fee can be deductible. Coffee bought while working is generally not unless paired with a client meeting or business discussion.
Is gym membership deductible?
No, except in narrow circumstances (e.g. fitness coaches deducting their own training, or doctor-prescribed exercise for a documented medical condition). For most freelancers, gym is personal.
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