PoleDreamer started this discussion ·
Hi everyone, I was just wondering for all the pole instructors out there, what types of things are you able to write off on your taxes? I know certifications and the like, but can you also write off pole shoes/clothing? Anything else I'm not thinking of? Thanks :)
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Talk to a tax professional about this. Certifications and other education is only deductible under certain circumstances
I also agree you should talk to a tax professional. I don't believe clothing is a write-off but certifications or travel to attend events can be. The trick, however, is to make sure that you don't take a loss too many years in a row. After awhile, the government realizes that it's more hobby than job and it can cause trouble for you. I also write off part of my cell phone and home internet since I do so much stuff from my house. I also write off some mileage.
Technically, you can write off anything you buy for instructing and instructor related duties that you can't or don't use elsewhere in life. That being said, you should keep the receipts in a folder somewhere with 'work' written on the back as well as on the folder in case you get audited. (It can happen to anyone.)
Really talk to a tax professional. It's surprising to many people what you can write off and what you can't. Did you know you can't deduct pole clothes you use for teaching class? Very few categories of clothing are deductible, things like scrubs and fireman uniforms are deductible while athletic clothing is not. Most education is not deductible, including certifications. Then there are things like the fact that you can write off a portion of your phone bill if you use it to contact people for class or other work related activities. These subtleties are why you need to talk to a tax professional about this.
It also depends if you are an employee or IC. You can write off more as an IC.
