22 Tax Write-Offs for Freelance Customer Support Specialists

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They say the customer is always right — so why not step into the role of customer the next time you file your taxes?

If you're a freelance or self-employed customer service specialist, you too are entitled to demand five-star service. And it starts by claiming all the everyday business expenses you encounter all the time!

Whether its new headsets or home office equipment, these purchases can actually save you money, which might just lower your stress and make it easier the next time you have one of Those Customers to deal with. Win-win!

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Electronic devices
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

Computers, extra monitors, webcams, and microphones needed to teach are write-offs.

📞
Headset
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

If you use a headset for hands-free calls with customers, make sure to write it off.

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Customer support training
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

You can write off any training or certifications you get to better support customers.

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Office supplies
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

Deduct anything you buy for your office, like pens, binders, folders, printer ink, or a whiteboard.

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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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Productivity software
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

Software you use for invoicing, tracking expenses, creating timesheets, and so on is deductible.

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If you drive for work ...

If you drive for work errands, like picking up office supplies or mailing something to a client, you can write off your car expenses.

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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 ...

If you meet with a higher-up or fellow support representative over lunch or coffee to talk shop, you can write off the cost.

🍔
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 ...

Attending an industry conference or meeting with an out-of-town client are both reasons someone who works in customer support might need to travel for work.

They also count as business trips, so the associated costs can be written off your taxes.

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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 ...

CS specialists can deduct home office expenses if they work from home on tasks like taking customer calls, updating their CRMs, or taking Zoom meetings with client companies.

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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.

🔌
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.

🚰
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!