33 Tax Write-Offs for Freelance Software Developers

Whether you're a web developer, full-stack developer, or mobile developer, we've put together a list of tax deductions for freelance software developers.

Whether you're a web developer, full-stack developer, or mobile developer, we've put together a list of tax deductions for freelance software developers.

Given software developers are exceedingly in demand, you might have decided to step out on your own and start freelancing. After all, freelancing has its benefits: you get to choose your working hours, clients, and your rates. You can work all morning (or all night for that matter) or maybe only part-time. The world is your oyster.

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However, we also know that freelancing can make your tax situation a little complicated. Especially when it comes time to file your self-employed taxes. Thankfully, the IRS lets you deduct all ordinary and necessary business expenses from your income. This can help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on taxes.

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Not sure what you can write off? We’ve compiled a detailed list of Schedule C (Form 1040) deductions to make it easier for freelance software developers to track business expenses.

General expenses

Whether you’ve structured a retainer model or charge a fixed daily rate, below are general business expenses that all software developers should track.

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Bank fees

It doesn't matter if it's the monthly service fee, ATM withdrawal fee, or credit card renewal fee. If you're paying a fee to the bank to operate your business, you can write it off.

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Employees and subcontractors

Whether you hired a team member full-time or work with a subcontractor on an as-needed basis, their salary and fees are tax deductible.

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Gear and equipment

Upgraded to the Shure SM7B or got the latest 16-inch MacBook Pro for your business? All of these count towards your deductions.

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Legal and professional services

You can deduct all costs associated with hiring professionals for your business. This includes accountants, lawyers, financial advisors, marketing agencies, production logistics, etc.

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Marketing and promotion

Website hosting, domain names, promotional swag, digital ads, and listing fees are some of the business marketing expenses that you can write off.

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Mobile phone bill

Discovery calls, responding to comments, and posting on social are examples of how you might be using your phone for work. If that's the case, deduct a portion of your phone bill.

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Office rent and lease

Prefer working from a studio or a coworking space? You can deduct all your office-related costs if you're not claiming your home-related expenses.

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Office supplies

You can deduct all items used in the general operation of your business. This includes sharpies, post-it notes, smoke sticks, printer ink, and staples.

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Payment processing fees

Invoiced a sponsor for ad placement? If they paid you with a credit card, you likely paid 2.9% + 30 cents processing fee. You can claim any such fees paid.

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Professional development

Enrolling in courses, joining mastermind groups, and listening to audiobooks are some examples of how you can grow as a creator—all of which you can write off.

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Software and apps

Canva, Notion, Calendly, Simplecast, and Adobe Creative Cloud. These are just some of the tools and services you can write off as a business expense.

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Trade events and seminars

Attending an in-person conference or tuning into an online webinar for work? If so, you can expense the event tickets.

Stop guessing what you can write off.

Benji helps creators find tax write-offs by automatically sorting through your personal and business expenses.

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Home expenses

As long as you have a good computer and solid internet connection, you can work from anywhere as a freelance developer—including your own home.

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If you decide to work from home, there are quite a few expenses that you can deduct. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a home office to claim these write-offs. Even if you only have space for a dedicated desk, you can claim these tax deductions.

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Furniture and appliances

Whether it's a new office chair, stand-up desk, or a whiteboard, if you're getting stuff for your home office, be sure to claim it.

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Insurance

If you pay for renters or homeowner insurance, you can write off a portion of these costs as part of your home office.

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Internet

Like heat and water, the internet is a utility that helps you run your business. With this in mind, you can write off a portion of your internet bill as a business expense.

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Mortgage interest

If you own your home, you can deduct a portion of your mortgage interest, but not the principal, as a business expense.

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Property taxes

If you own your home, you pay property taxes. Thankfully, you can deduct a portion of the bill.

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Rent

Whether you rent an apartment or a house, you can claim a portion of the cost if you have a dedicated work area.

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Repairs and maintenance

You're likely using your home more if you work from home. This can cause things to break or updates to be made—all of which you can deduct a portion of.

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Utilities

You can’t work from home without basic utilities like heat, water, and electricity. Be sure to write off a portion of these expenses.

Vehicle expenses

You can deduct a portion of all vehicle expenses if you’re using your personal vehicle for work. This includes attending local networking events, meeting prospective clients, and grabbing office supplies.

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Depreciation

Own a car? You can write off the annual depreciation of its value for business-related trips.

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Gas and fuel

While you can’t deduct any gas you used for personal transportation, you can claim the amount you used for business-related trips.

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Insurance

Unless you live in Virginia or New Hampshire, you'll need insurance before you drive your vehicle—which you can write off.

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License and registration

You can deduct a portion of your safety inspection, registration fees, and roadside assistance.

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Loan interest

Did you get a loan to buy a vehicle? You can deduct a portion of the interest on that loan as a business expense.

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Parking fees

Parking can be expensive in some place. Thankfully, you can write off those fees if they were for a business trip.

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Repairs and maintenance

Whether it's an oil change, an unexpected repair or a much-needed wash, you can deduct a portion of the maintenance cost if you use your vehicle for work.

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Tolls

If you have to take toll roads, bridges or tunnels for your business, remember to claim them as tax deductions.

Start tracking your business expense for free.

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Business meeting expenses

Whether it’s a coffee or lunch, having meaningful conversations about your work over a meal can be a write-off. This includes discussing project details with a client, meeting your accountant, and getting business advice from a mentor.

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Business meals

Meeting someone for coffee or lunch to talk about work? You can write off 50% of all business meals, including tips and taxes.

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Transportation

Whether you're driving, using rideshare or taking public transport, you can write off the expenses if it was for work.

Business travel expenses

Think you don’t need to travel for work as a software developer? Think again. While developers can work from home (or an office space), there will likely be times when you’ll need to meet with a client in person or attend a conference out of town.

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Accommodations

Booked a hotel or Airbnb for your business trip? Any business-related accommodation is considered a tax deduction.

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Business travel

Trains, planes, and automobiles: if they helped you get from point A to point B during your business trip, you can write off any expenses such as train tickets, airfare, and car rental.

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Food and drinks

Yes, you can write off the meals you consumed on your business trip. However, the 50% rule still applies to business travel meals.