The Hustle of Tax Deduction: Tips for Creative Minds Rising Up After the Struggle

What’s up, familia? It’s tax season and for those of us who’ve been through the struggle—whether it's the streets, the system, or both—it’s time to flip the script and start building a solid future. If you’ve recently been released and are making your way back into society, don’t let the tax game throw you off. If you’re an artist, whether you’re visual, performing, or writing, understanding your taxes is just another piece of the hustle to keep your business clean and your pockets right.

Now, I know some of you spent years, even decades, locked up. Some of you might be trying to piece together a new life. But trust me, the knowledge you’re about to get here? It’s key. This ain’t just about surviving; it’s about thriving. So let’s dive in and talk taxes for self-employed artists, 1099 filers, and all the creative minds who’ve been through the fire and are now coming out on top.

1. Tax Game is Changing – Stay Prepared

We’re heading into 2025, and the tax rules are shifting. Some of the provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are about to expire. You don’t need to panic, we might see some of these provisions extended but it’s important to stay informed. One of the big changes that’s up in the air is the $10,000 cap on state and local tax deductions. Be aware of what’s happening, and make sure you’re adjusting to stay ahead.

2. Secure Your Future – Get Your 401(k) and Roth Together

I get it, you're thinking, “Retirement? I just got out of prison.” But hear me out. 2025 is going to be a good year to start putting away for the future. The contribution limits for 401(k) and 403(b) plans are going up, which means you can stash away more of your earnings. For those of us who are 50 or older, there's even more room to save. The IRA and Roth contribution limits stay at $7,000, but you can add more if you're a little seasoned in the game. It’s never too late to start building for your future.

3. Mileage and Business Travel – Get Paid for Your Hustle

If you’re driving to meetings, events, or gigs for your business, you can claim mileage on your taxes. For 2025, the business mileage rate is going up to 70 cents per mile. Medical-related travel will get you 21 cents, and volunteer-related mileage? That’s 14 cents. Whether you're getting to a gallery show, a meeting with a client, or a gig, don’t forget to keep track of the miles. That’s money you could be putting right back in your pocket.

4. Home Office Deductions – Your Space is Your Business

Look, I know a lot of us are working out of our homes or garages now. But that’s okay—if you're using your space exclusively for your hustle, that’s business. You can deduct things like rent, utilities, and maintenance costs for the space you use to work. Just remember, the IRS isn’t gonna let you claim your kitchen or your living room unless you’re doing business there only. That spare room, your garage, or even the basement you’ve set up as a studio? That’s where the magic happens, and that’s what you can deduct.

5. Business Expenses – Write Off What You Can

As an artist, you’re self-employed, which means you get to claim a lot of business expenses. The IRS lets you deduct stuff to reduce your taxable income—so you pay less in taxes. Here’s what you can write off:

Creative Tools & Materials: Whether you’re painting, writing, recording music, or taking photos, the tools you use to create your art are deductible.

Travel: If you’re traveling for your hustle—whether it’s an event, show, or meeting with clients—that’s deductible. But don’t try to write off personal trips; keep your hustle and your personal life separate.

Meals: When you’re meeting with people about your business—whether it’s a client, a curator, or a partner—you can deduct 50% of the cost of the meal. But again, keep it business-related.

6. Self-Employment – Taking Care of Your Health and Taxes

If you’re self-employed, like many artists are, you can deduct some extra stuff. For example, health insurance premiums can be deducted, and if you’re paying self-employment taxes, you can write off half of those too. Even things like your phone bill (for business calls) and some other utilities tied to your hustle can be written off. Every little bit helps when you’re working hard to rebuild your life and put money back into your craft.

7. Equipment – Keep Track of the Wear and Tear

Whether you're using a camera, a guitar, or a laptop to do your thing, anything you use for your business is deductible. Over time, that stuff breaks down, and that's where depreciation comes in. You can deduct part of the cost for the wear and tear on your gear. If you bought expensive equipment recently, you can even use Section 179 to write off a big chunk of the cost in the year you bought it. This means if you’re investing in your art, you’re also investing in your tax strategy.

8. Uniforms, Costumes, and Gear – Get Your Deductions Right

Artists often need specific clothes or costumes for their work. Whether you're performing, creating, or making art that requires unique clothing (like performance costumes, gear for hazardous materials, etc.), you can deduct those costs. Keep your receipts for anything that isn’t for everyday use, and make sure it’s required for your business.

9. Keep Your Records Tight

If you’ve been through the system, you know the importance of keeping your papers in order. Same goes for taxes. Whether it’s receipts for travel, supplies, or any other business expense, make sure you're organized. You need to keep track of all your expenses—mileage, meals, equipment costs—and you need to be able to prove it. The IRS will expect you to have those records ready if they ever ask.

10. Performing Artists – Make Your Travel Count

For my folks on stage or behind the mic, any travel for a gig is business, and that’s deductible. Whether you're heading to a performance, a studio session, or a conference, you can deduct transportation, lodging, meals, and other expenses. But keep it professional: personal trips don’t count.

11. Hobby vs. Business – Prove You’re in the Game for Profit

If you’re trying to claim deductions, you need to prove your art is a business, not a hobby. The IRS expects you to be making moves toward making money. If you’re not showing a profit, or you’re not making enough of an effort to earn a profit, they may disallow your deductions. So keep your records clean, your hustle sharp, and make sure you can show that you’re in this for the long haul.

Final Thoughts: Stay Focused, Stay Smart, and Keep Building

The tax system can seem complicated, but don’t let that hold you back. You’ve been through the hardest part already, and now it’s time to make the tax game work for you. If you’ve got questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to a tax pro who can help you navigate this world.

Remember, this is about securing your future, staying on top of your game, and making sure that the hard work you put in is reflected in your bank account. Keep your hustle strong, your records tight, and your mind sharp.

Keep pushing, stay creative, and let the tax game work for you.