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Lights, camera, deductions! In this blog post, we’re pulling back the curtain on the tax write-offs available to actors. From headshots to travel, we’ll explore the many areas that count as a business expense.

Tax Write-Offs for Actors ๐ŸŽญ ๐ŸŽฌ

Want an overview of write-offs before diving in? Check out our previous post!

In general, if you plan on claiming any of these items/services as a write-off, always keep yourย receipts.

Professional Services โœจ
  • Manager and agent fees/commissions
  • Union dues
  • Theatre company dues
  • Legal fees
  • Accountants
  • Financial software (like Sai ๐Ÿ˜‰)
  • Consultants
Promotional Expenses ๐Ÿ’ป
  • Headshots and photos/videos
  • Rรฉsumรฉ printing costs
  • Website subscriptions
  • Business cards
  • Shipping costs
  • Online submission fees
Education ๐Ÿ“š
  • Acting, vocal and dance classes
  • Workshops, masterclasses, and seminars
  • Tickets to films and live theatre (considered research expenses to know whatโ€™s happening in the industry)
  • Subscriptions useful for acting (Broadway News or Backstage)
Travel ๐Ÿš—
  • Local commute expenses related to auditions, rehearsals, classes, and performances, such as subway fares, taxis, tolls, and car gas, maintenance, and insurance
  • Travel expenses related to auditions, rehearsals, classes, and performances, such as plane tickets and accommodation costs
Aesthetics ๐Ÿ’„
  • Initial makeup and hair costs related to a specific audition or job
  • Wardrobe/costumes used only for the job
  • Dry cleaning and repair costs of the wardrobe/costumes
Food and Beverage โ˜•๏ธŽ
  • 50% of the cost of meals while travelling for business
  • Food purchased as part of a business meeting
Equipment and Supplies ๐ŸŽฅ

Some expenses can be deducted all at once, while others need to be spread out over time. This gradual deduction is known as depreciation or, for tax purposes, capital cost allowance (CCA). Basically, it means that each year, a portion of what you spent on certain things becomes a deductible expense. The percentage depends on what you bought. Expenses that cost over $300 and/or last a long time usually get deducted this way. Some examples for actors are:

  • Self-tape equipment (backgrounds, cameras, lights, etc.)
  • Cell phone and computer
  • Sheet music, scores, scripts, transcriptions, arrangements, and other recordings

Feeling like this is a lot to remember? ๐Ÿ™ƒ

Thatโ€™s literally why we made Sai. Because we know you donโ€™t have time for this!

Sai will:

  • Trackย +ย categorize all your expenses
  • Give you estimates of how muchย tax you owe each month, so you can put that money away and NOT spend it lol
  • File your taxesย at the end of the year!