Hidden costs in your tattoo setup you’re not tracking
If you're self-employed as a tattoo artist in the U.S., you’re considered a sole proprietor (unless you’ve registered as an LLC or S-Corp). That means you report your business income and expenses on Schedule C (Form 1040)—and knowing what qualifies as a business expense under IRS rules can save you thousands (and a nasty audit).
1. Tattoo Supplies & Equipment
✔️ Ink, needles, machines, cartridges, PPE, stencil paper
✔️ Clip cords, barriers, grips, sharps containers
IRS Category: Supplies
2. Booth or Studio Rent
✔️ Chair rental at a shop
✔️ Studio lease
IRS Category: Rent or Lease - Other Business Property
3. Home Studio (If Applicable and Legal)
✔️ A portion of rent, utilities, Wi-Fi, etc.
💡 Use Form 8829 for home office deductions
Must be:
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Your primary place of business
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A dedicated workspace
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Legally zoned and permitted
4. Licensing & Professional Fees
✔️ State/city tattoo licenses, health department fees
✔️ Bloodborne pathogen training
✔️ Legal or professional consulting
IRS Category: Legal and Professional Services
5. Travel for Work
✔️ Flights, hotels, Ubers, mileage (with tracking)
✔️ 50% of meals when traveling for tattoo conventions or guest spots
✔️ Per diem if you’re self-employed
IRS Category: Travel, Meals (50%)
6. Marketing & Tech
✔️ Website hosting, domain, email services
✔️ Social ads, promo videos, branded business cards
✔️ Scheduling apps, CRM tools (like Calendly, Square, etc.)
IRS Category: Advertising, Office Expenses
7. Insurance
✔️ Business liability insurance
✔️ Self-employed health insurance (under specific conditions—talk to your CPA)
IRS Category: Insurance (Other than health) and/or Self-employed Health Insurance Deduction
8. Education & Research
✔️ Art workshops, seminars, tattoo education courses
✔️ Business coaching, tattoo conventions
IRS Category: Education (if directly related to business)
9. Phone & Internet (partial)
✔️ If used for client communication, booking, social media
✔️ Deduct % based on business use
IRS Category: Utilities or Office Expenses
10. Cleaning Supplies
✔️ Disinfectant, gloves, green soap, paper towels, etc.
IRS Category: Supplies or Office Expenses
❌ THINGS YOU CANNOT WRITE OFF (IRS Says No)
1. Your Own Tattoos
Even if you post them on Instagram—they’re considered personal.
2. Everyday Clothing
Unless it's branded with your logo and only used for work (hello, merch), normal clothes don’t qualify.
3. Personal Meals
Unless you're traveling for business or having a legit business meeting, your Chick-fil-A is not deductible.
4. Non-Business Travel
You cannot write off your vacation to Miami just because you brought your sketchbook.
5. "Vibe" Purchases
Crystals, candles, or art you just like are not deductible unless used exclusively for work (like studio decor).
🧰 TOOLS TO MAKE THIS EASY
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QuickBooks Self-Employed – auto-categorizes expenses for Schedule C
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Keeper Tax – automatically finds potential write-offs for freelancers
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MileIQ or Everlance – tracks business mileage with IRS logs
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Wave Accounting – free and solid for invoice + receipts
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Google Drive or Dropbox – organize receipts for IRS recordkeeping (keep for at least 3 years)
🧠 TIPS FOR A SMOOTHER TAX SEASON
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Open a separate business bank account
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Keep all receipts (yes, even the $6 one from Staples)
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Don’t guess—track mileage, income, and expenses regularly
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Find an accountant who specializes in freelancers or creatives
💡 TL;DR:
If it directly helps you tattoo, run your business, or make more money—it’s probably deductible.
If it’s personal, fun, or “just vibes”—you’re paying for it out of pocket.
