23 freelancer tax deductions to save money in 2026

Freelancing offers you flexibility, but it also brings tax complexities. In fact, only 48% of small business owners say they’re confident they’re paying taxes correctly. The good news? Taking advantage of freelancer-specific tax deductions—from home office costs to retirement contributions—can help ease that stress and maximize your savings.

Below, we'll walk you through 23 (plus one bonus) freelancer deductions for the 2026 tax season, plus tips to make the most of them.

1. Travel and hotel

2. Home office

3. Utilities

4. Professional development

5. Advertising and marketing

6. Website

7. Software

8. Vehicle

9. Unpaid invoices

10. Incorporation

11. Health insurance

12. Legal fees

13. Retirement contributions

14. Business insurance

15. Supplies

16. Depreciation

17. Bank fees

18. Health savings account (HSA) contributions

19. Renting equipment

20. Client gifts

21. Charitable contributions

22. The 20% self-employment deduction (Qualified Business Income Deduction)

23. Meals and entertainment

How to claim tax deductions as a freelancer

Tips for maximizing freelance tax deductions

Find peace of mind come tax time

1. Travel and hotel

Amount: 100%

If you travel to visit clients or attend trade shows, you may be able to deduct these expenses. Business travel expenses can include transportation and accommodation costs, and the IRS allows a 50% deduction for business meal expenses. 

To claim this deduction, the primary purpose for the trip needs to be for business, and the expenses should relate to your business. Keep records of plane tickets, rental car receipts, and any other documentation showing your expenses. 

It’s important to note that you shouldn’t attempt to write off any expenses associated with sightseeing and leisure travel, which can trigger an audit.

2. Home office

Amount: Depends on the method

Many freelancers work out of their homes in the early days, especially when their businesses are first getting off the ground. As a result, the IRS allows self-employed persons to deduct a portion of their mortgage or rent going to a home office.

To qualify for the home office tax deduction, you must have a specific area in your home designated for working, and you must refrain from using it for other purposes. 

When claiming this deduction, you can calculate the deduction’s value using the regular or simplified home office deduction option: 

• Simplified method: Deduct $5 per square foot of your home office space for up to $1,500 deduction. 
• Standard method: Calculate the square footage of your home office, divide by the square footage of your home, and multiply by all your home expenses. 

The standard method is more complicated than the simplified method since you have to keep track of all your home expenses. Here’s a table to compare side-by-side:

3. Utilities

Amount: Proportion of utilities based on the percentage of home used for office

While business owners with offices outside their homes can deduct 100% of their utilities, freelancers who work at home can still write off a portion of this cost. To determine how much of your utility costs are tax-deductible, calculate the percentage of your home occupied by the office.

Along with gas and electricity, freelancers can deduct the costs of heating, air conditioning, and phone service. Be aware, however, that you can’t deduct the cost of utilities if you claim the simplified home office deduction.

4. Professional development

Amount: 100%

As a freelancer, it’s important that you find ways to stand out from your competitors in the industry. To keep ahead of the pack, many freelancers attend business courses and educational seminars.

Understanding that these expenses can add up, the IRS allows freelancers to deduct expenses related to professional development on their tax returns, such as classes, workshops, and seminars. Additionally, self-employed persons can write off dues for professional organizations and membership fees.

5. Advertising and marketing

Amount: 100%

In our increasingly connected society, self-employed people have to engage in marketing and advertising to stay competitive. The IRS permits freelancers to write off the cost of flyers, web advertising, business cards, and print ads, among other marketing expenses.

To claim this deduction, keep receipts, invoices, and any documentation to verify the advertising costs.

6. Website

Amount: 100%

With most consumers using the internet to research purchases, creating a mobile-friendly, responsive website is crucial for a freelancer’s success. Luckily, self-employed persons can deduct costs related to their business websites, including domain fees, design, building costs, and maintenance.

7. Software

Amount: 100%

These days, most freelancers spend their days staring at computer screens. From sophisticated video editing programs to basic options, software can be expensive, making it a useful deduction for freelancers and small business owners.

The software you want to deduct as part of your freelancer expenses has to be readily available for purchase with a nonexclusive, unmodified license.

8. Vehicle

Amount: 100% or percent of vehicle usage

Do you regularly drive to meet clients or suppliers? If so, you should take advantage of the tax deductions available for costs related to vehicle mileage or normal vehicle wear and tear. 

You can choose between two vehicle-related deductions: the standard mileage option or the actual expense option:

• Standard mileage rate: Track your mileage used for business and multiply by the IRS standard mileage rate. 
• Actual expenses: Track all vehicle-related expenses and multiply them by the percentage of business-related miles. 

The standard mileage option allows you to make a deduction based on how many miles you’ve used for business purposes. The actual expense option allows you to figure out the total cost of maintaining your car versus the actual cost of maintenance for business use.

9. Unpaid invoices

Amount: 100%

It’s no secret that clients are sometimes late in paying their invoices, but some never pay at all. Fortunately, the IRS allows self-employed persons to deduct unpaid invoices as a loss for their businesses. Keeping a detailed list of unpaid invoices along with each invoice number will help you properly take the deduction.

Note that this deduction is only available if you keep your books on the accrual method of accounting. Under the accrual method, income is taxable when you send out the invoice. Conversely, if you use the cash basis accounting method, income is only taxable when you receive the payment.

10. Incorporation

Amount: Up to $5,000

If your freelance business is successful, you may consider incorporating in the near future. The IRS allows new businesses to deduct expenditures associated with incorporation, including state fees and legal costs during the business’s first year of operation.

11. Health insurance

Amount: 100%

As a freelancer, you don’t get the benefit of employer health insurance, which leads to a hefty expense. Luckily, you can also deduct self employed health insurance premiums if you pay for your own premium and aren’t eligible to join your spouse's employer plan. 

You can also deduct the health insurance premium for your spouse, dependents, and children under 27 years old, even if they aren’t dependents on your tax return.

12. Legal fees

Amount: 100%

If you hire a lawyer to help with a legal matter or a tax advisor to help prepare your tax returns, you can deduct the legal fees. The legal fees you deduct must relate to your work and must be a necessary expense for running your freelance business. 

Legal fees you can deduct include: 

• Fees related to resolving tax issues
• Tax advice or preparation services
• Discrimination claims

However, you may not deduct legal fees that are unrelated to your work, such as for a hobby or personal matter.

13. Retirement contributions

Amount: Varies based on the type of retirement account

As a freelancer, you don’t have the luxury of a 401(k) through an employer, but you do have access to various retirement accounts to help you save for the future. 

To reduce your tax burden, you can deduct contributions to retirement accounts such as a Solo 401(k), SEP IRA, or SIMPLE IRA from your taxable income.

• Solo 401(k): If you're a sole proprietor, you can contribute both as an employee and as an employer, which allows for a higher contribution limit than other retirement plans.
• SEP IRA: The Simplified Employee Pension IRA plan allows you to contribute a significant percentage of your income to a retirement account.
• SIMPLE IRA: A Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees IRA.

14. Business insurance

Amount: 100%

Business insurance is essential for freelancers looking to protect their business assets, liability, and income. The IRS allows you to deduct premiums for several types of business insurance, including:

• General liability insurance: Covers accidents or damage caused during the course of your work.
• Professional liability insurance: Also known as “errors and omissions” insurance, it protects against claims of negligence or mistakes in your services.
• Business property insurance: Covers damage to office equipment or property.
• Workers’ compensation: If you hire employees, you can deduct premiums for workers’ compensation insurance.

The insurance must be necessary for your freelance business and related to your work.

15. Supplies

Amount: 100%

As a freelancer, you likely rely on various supplies to run your business. From pens and paper to specialized tools, you can typically write off anything you purchase specifically for your work as a business expense. These supplies are usually fully deductible so long as they are directly related to your freelance services.

For example, if you’re a designer, the software and drawing tools you buy would be deductible. If you’re a writer, it could include office supplies, computer accessories, or even books relevant to your work.

16. Depreciation

Amount: Percentage of the asset's value over time

If you purchase business assets that you expect to use for more than one year, like computers, office furniture, or vehicles, you can depreciate these over time. Rather than writing off the entire cost in the year of purchase, depreciation allows you to spread the deduction over the useful life of the asset.

For example, if you buy a new laptop for your freelance business, you can deduct a portion of its cost each year. The IRS has guidelines on how long you can depreciate different types of assets. In some cases, you might be able to take a larger deduction in the first year through Section 179, which lets you deduct the full purchase price of qualifying assets upfront.

17. Bank fees

Amount: 100% for business-related fees

Freelancers often open business bank accounts to keep their finances organized, and the good news is that many of the fees associated with those accounts are deductible. This includes monthly maintenance fees, transaction fees, and charges for wire transfers or business-related ATM withdrawals.

It’s important to note that these deductions only apply to fees directly tied to your freelance business—personal account fees don’t count. So, keep track of all your business-related banking fees, and you can deduct them when tax time comes.

18. Health savings account (HSA) contributions

Amount: Up to the maximum limit set by the IRS

If you have a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), you can contribute to a Health Savings Account (HSA), which allows you to save money tax-free for medical expenses. Contributions to an HSA are deductible from your taxable income, which can reduce your overall tax burden.

For filing in 2026, the contribution limits are $4,400 for individuals and $8,750 for families. If you’re 55 or older, you can contribute an additional $1,000 as a catch-up contribution. 

An HSA also offers the benefit of tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses, which is a double advantage for self-employed individuals without employer-sponsored health coverage.

19. Renting equipment

Amount: 100%

Freelancers who rent equipment or tools for their work can deduct the cost of these rentals. This includes everything from specialized machinery for construction or art projects to renting computers, cameras, or other equipment for short-term use. Make sure the rental is strictly for business purposes, as the IRS won’t allow deductions for personal rentals.

20. Client gifts

Amount: Up to $25 per client per year

If you give gifts to clients, you can deduct up to $25 per client per year. This can include items like gift baskets, holiday gifts, or other promotional items that you give to clients to maintain or build relationships. Just be sure to keep records of what you gave, including receipts and the business purpose behind the gift, to substantiate the deduction.

21. Charitable contributions

Amount: 100%

While charitable donations aren't deductible for freelancers unless you itemize your deductions on your personal tax return, you may be able to deduct donations made by your business under certain circumstances. 

The key to deductibility is that the donation must be made for a business purpose. For example, if you donate cash to a charity with the expectation that members or beneficiaries of that charity will do business with you in the future, that donation may be deductible as a marketing expense.

22. The 20% self-employment deduction (Qualified Business Income Deduction)

Amount: Up to 20% of qualified business income

In addition to itemized deductions, freelancers may be eligible for a special tax break known as the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction. This deduction allows many self-employed individuals to deduct up to 20% of their qualified business income, reducing their overall taxable income.

The QBI deduction isn’t based on specific expenses like software or travel—it’s calculated as a percentage of your net freelance income. Keep in mind, eligibility can depend on your total income, filing status, and type of freelance work, so it’s wise to confirm your situation with a tax professional.

23. Meals and entertainment

Amount: 50%

If you take a client out for coffee, lunch, or dinner to discuss business, you can usually deduct 50% of the cost of those meals. The IRS requires that the meal be directly related to your freelance work and that you be actively conducting business during it.

What counts:

• Meals with clients, prospects, or business partners where work is discussed
• Meals while traveling for business

What doesn’t count:

• Personal meals
• Meals that are “lavish or extravagant”

Entertainment expenses, like sports tickets or concerts, are no longer deductible under IRS rules—even if you invite a client. However, if you purchase food or drinks at the event and itemize those separately on the receipt, you may be able to deduct 50% of the meal portion.

How to claim tax deductions as a freelancer

Most freelancers will file taxes as a sole proprietorship. This means that if you want to claim freelance tax deductions, you can do it on your personal income tax return. 

You’ll have to file a Schedule C with Form 1040 to claim your deductions. Keep in mind that some tax deductions aren’t included as part of Schedule C, and you may have to file them under other sections of your tax return or a different schedule. 

Hiring a tax adviser or an accountant to help you file your taxes will ensure that you fill your tax return correctly and take advantage of all tax deductions you can claim as a freelancer.

Tips for maximizing freelance tax deductions

If you want to take advantage of these tax deductions for freelancers and save money to invest back into your work, here are some tips:

• Keep detailed records: Maintain accurate and organized records of all income and expenses related to your freelance work, including receipts, invoices, and bank statements. 
• Stay informed on tax laws: Learn about tax regulations in your area and type of business, as some deduction limits and eligibility requirements may change. 
• Establish a dedicated workspace: Have a specific area in your home for work purposes and exclusively for your business to claim a home office tax deduction. 
• Keep track of your miles: If you have a vehicle for business purposes, like meetings and client visits, track the miles and expenses to deduct them later. 
• Document travel expenses: If you’re planning a business trip, remember to document all expenses and keep records, including transportation, accommodation, and meals. 
• Review and update regularly: Review your expenses often to ensure you’re maximizing your deductions based on your freelance work.

Lastly, seek guidance from a tax professional or accountant familiar with freelance taxes, as they can provide personalized advice and ensure compliance.

Find peace of mind come tax time

Tax season doesn’t have to feel overwhelming when you know which deductions you qualify for and how to claim them. From home office write-offs to health insurance premiums, these deductions can significantly reduce your taxable income and keep more money in your pocket.

To avoid missing valuable deductions, use a solution like QuickBooks Solopreneur to track expenses automatically, organize receipts, and simplify tax filing. Start maximizing your tax savings today.