21 Tax Write-Offs for Self-Employed Athletes
Your body is a temple — but what about your wallet? Too many athletes ignore the savings they can write off on their taxes, not realizing that bench pressing their deductions will boost their financial gains. From protein powder to gym memberships and beyond, any business-related purchases you make as an independent athlete can save you money come tax time.
Not sure where to start? Don’t sweat! We’ve compiled the best list of write-offs for athletes, so you can set a new personal best on your tax bill.
Schedule C, Box 27a
If you need to get your uniform professionally dry cleaned, you can write it off.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Pay for your own uniforms? Be sure to write them off. That goes for your required practice kit too.
Schedule C, Box 22
You can write off balls, nets, shoes, and more, as long as you use them for work.
Schedule C, Box 10
Professional memberships, union dues, and other fees are tax-deductible.
Schedule C, Box 10
If you have an agent represent you, write off their fees or commissions.
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If you drive for work, make tax time a home run by remembering to deduct car expenses. This doesn't include driving to and from work itself, but it might include:
- Driving to a match or practice session
- Meeting with a coach
- Going to a physical therapy appointment- Picking up sports gear
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.
The IRS can be a good sport when it comes to business meals.If you grab a meal or drink with a fellow athlete, coach, scout, lawyer, or journalist to talk about work, you can write the cost off as a business expense.
Schedule C, Box 24b
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!
If you have to travel for work to attend an out-of-town game or industry conference, or to make a PR appearance, feel free to deduct 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!
As an athlete, a lot of your work happens off the field. Such as exercising, managing finances and paperwork, working on branding, or conducting industry research.If you do these things from a designated workspace at home, you can write off home office expenses.
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!
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