22 Tax Write-Offs for Self-Employed Coaches

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Time out! We know that as a coach, you’ve got a lot of athletes to think about — but don’t forget to take care of yourself, too. One big way you can do that is by saving extra money on your taxes.

That’s right: if you work as an independent contractor, you can lower your tax bill simply by doing the job you love. By claiming these write-offs the next time you file, you’ll be saving time and money that you can then invest in your charges. (Or take a nice vacation during off-season — we won’t tell!) Now that’s a smart play!

Sporting equipment
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

You can write off balls, nets, shoes, and more, as long as you use them for work.

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Coaching gear
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

Playbooks, whistles, and anything else you use while coaching can be deducted.

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Uniform & branded items
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

This includes uniforms or any branded items you must wear while working.

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Sports subscriptions
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Sports magazines, newsletters, and channels you subscribe to can be deducted.

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Sporting event tickets
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Attending a sporting event is a write-off for you: you can study the plays and learn!

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Continuing education classes
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Continuing education class required to keep your job are fully deductible.

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If you drive for work ...

Your coaching work may land you on the road frequently: meeting with athletes and other coaches, picking up sports equipment, or driving to games and practices.

A portion of the money you spend on your car, such as paying for gas or repairs, can be written off your taxes.

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Parking
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Parking for a meeting downtown, or any other work trip, is tax-deductible!

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Tolls
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

A toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible!

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Car purchase & depreciation
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 13

If you buy a new car, you can write off part of the cost every year for five years.

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Vehicle tool kit
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

Flashlights, tire iron, duct tape, and other tools you may need in your vehicle are deductible.

☂️
Car insurance & registration
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 15

Car insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible.

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Car maintenance
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 9

Oil changes, repairs, and regular checkups are all tax-deductible if you drive for work.

If you discuss work at a restaurant ...

Meeting talent scouts, athletes, or fellow coaches for a work chat over food or drinks? Go ahead and write off the cost of your business meal.

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Business meals
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24b

If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!

If you leave town for work ...

Games and matches will often bring coaches to the towns of opposing teams. Any related travel expenses, such as breakfast the morning before a big game or the cost of a hotel, can be written off.This also includes travel to things like industry conferences or workshops.

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Transportation
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24a

Planes, trains, and car rentals are all work-related travel costs that can be written off.

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Travel lodging
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24a

When you travel for work, lodging expenses such as hotel rooms or Airbnb are write offs.

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Meals while traveling
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24a

When you're traveling for work, all meals are tax-deductible. Even takeout!

If you work from home ...

Many people get into coaching because they love being on the field or court. But a lot goes into a successful coaching business off the field, too. Many coaches work on things like industry research, finance and paperwork management, or continuing education courses from home. In this case, a portion of home office expenses can be claimed on your taxes.

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Home office furniture
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs.

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Property repairs
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 21

You can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property.

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Power bill
Write it off using:

Form 8829

Gotta keep the lights on in your home office! A portion of your electricity bill counts.

🌪️
Property insurance
Write it off using:

Form 8829

Whether it's rental or homeowners insurance, you can write off a portion through your home office deduction.

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Water bill
Write it off using:

Form 8829

It'd be hard to work in an office without running water, huh? You water bill counts.

🌐
Wi-Fi bill
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 25

Your Comcast bill is a tax write-off. You need internet to do your job!