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Is it tax deductible?

Quick, straight answers to the write-off questions freelancers and 1099 contractors actually ask, each mapped to the right IRS Schedule C line so you know exactly where it goes.

The rule of thumb: a cost is deductible if it is ordinary and necessary for your business. Purely personal costs are not, and mixed-use items (like a phone or car) count only for the business-use share. Pick a question below for the specifics.

A quick gut check for edge cases: if you would buy it anyway as a private person regardless of the work, it leans personal, if you only bought it because of the business, it leans deductible.

Is a Laptop Tax Deductible?YesCan I Write Off My Car?PartlyCan I Write Off My Phone?PartlyIs a Home Office Tax Deductible?SometimesIs Internet Tax Deductible?PartlyIs Health Insurance Tax Deductible When Self-Employed?YesAre Business Meals Tax Deductible?Partly (50%)Are Software Subscriptions Tax Deductible?YesIs Education Tax Deductible When Self-Employed?SometimesIs a Gym Membership Tax Deductible?Usually noAre Work Clothes Tax Deductible?Usually noIs Coffee Tax Deductible?SometimesAre Office Supplies Tax Deductible?YesIs Advertising Tax Deductible?YesIs Business Travel Tax Deductible?YesCan I Deduct Rent?SometimesAre Bank Fees Tax Deductible?YesAre Payments to Subcontractors Tax Deductible?YesAre Accountant & Legal Fees Tax Deductible?YesIs Business Insurance Tax Deductible?Yes

Track the write-offs automatically

Knowing what is deductible is half the battle, keeping the receipts is the other half. NeoReceipt scans each one and sorts it onto the right Schedule C line for you.

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See also the full 1099 tax deductions list, the free 1099 tax calculator, and tax guides by profession.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if something is tax deductible?+
A business expense is deductible if it is ordinary and necessary for your self-employed work. Personal costs are not deductible, and mixed-use items (like a phone or car) are deductible only for the business-use share. Each guide below gives the specific answer.
What can I write off as a 1099 contractor?+
Common write-offs include your home office, business mileage, phone and internet, software, supplies, health insurance, and business meals. See the full list in our 1099 tax deductions guide, and the pages here answer specific 'is X deductible' questions.
Is this tax advice?+
No. These are general educational answers reflecting current IRS rules, not individual tax advice. For your specific situation, confirm with a qualified CPA or Enrolled Agent.
Do I need a receipt for every deduction?+
Not always, but you should be able to substantiate any expense you claim if the IRS asks. Keeping the receipt, or at least a record of the amount, date, and business purpose, is the safer habit, since a bank or card statement alone usually does not show why a purchase was for business. NeoReceipt scans and stores receipts automatically so that proof is ready if you ever need it.