25 Tax Write-Offs for Freelance Chefs
They say variety is the spice of life, but what truly adds that extra kick of flavor is when you find easy ways to save money on your taxes. Too often, chefs neglect to trim the fat off their tax bill, but you don’t have to make this mistake! With our list of the best write-offs for chefs, you’ll be cooking up a reduction that will make anyone’s mouth water. Now we’re cooking with gas!
Schedule C, Box 22
Write off the protective gear, like goggles and gloves, you wear while performing electrical work.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Any uniforms you're required to wear on the job are considered tax-deductible.
Schedule C, Box 27a
If you need to get your uniform professionally dry cleaned, you can write it off.
Schedule C, Box 38 (COGS)
Any food or ingredients you use to cook meals for clients are write-offs.
Schedule C, Box 22
You can write off pots, pans, spatulas, mixing bowls, and everything else you use to cook food.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Continuing education class required to keep your job are fully deductible.
Schedule C, Box 8
Print and online advertising costs for your business are considered write-offs.
Schedule C, Box 8
Squarespace, Wix, GoDaddy, and other website service fees are fully tax-deductible.
Schedule C, Box 11
If you need to hire an editor, designer, photographer, or other creative pro, write off what you pay them.
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As a chef, you might take clients out for a meal to get a sense of their tastes and to develop a menu for an event. Or you might meet with restaurant staff, fellow chefs, or a mentor to talk business.Both cases are considered business meals and can be written off.
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.
As a chef, you might take clients, cookbook publishers, and editors out for a meal to get a sense of their tastes. Or you might meet with restaurant staff, fellow chefs, or a mentor to talk business.
Both cases are considered business meals and can be written off.
Schedule C, Box 24b
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!
If you attend an out-of-town conference or client meeting, go ahead and claim your travel costs on your taxes. (Don't worry — it doesn't count as cooking the books!)
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!
A chef's work is not restricted to just the kitchen. You might spend time at home:
- Practicing or developing recipes
- Refining cooking skills
- Working on client development
- Doing industry research
If this applies to you, remember to write off your 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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