Is your headshot tax deductable?


It's tax season! This post might help you!

Disclaimer: This blog post is not official accounting or tax advice because I’m not an accountant or your tax person. Please ask your tax professional about this topic before moving forward.



Anyone?

It’s common knowledge that there are a considerable number of things that can qualify as deductible expenses that stem from doing everyday business. Things like certain meals, travel, vehicle mileage (for business purposes only), office supplies, studio rent and equipment purchases are just a few examples.

A headshot can possibly be tax-deductible, but it depends on your profession and the purpose of the photo. In general, for tax purposes, the IRS allows deductions for business-related expenses, so if a headshot is directly tied to your profession or business, it might qualify.

 

1. Actors, Models, and Performers

A headshot is a primary tool for casting calls and auditions. If you are an actor or model, the IRS generally allows you to deduct the cost of professional headshots as a business expense because it's directly related to your work.

2. Business Professionals and Entrepreneurs

If you're using a headshot for your professional website, LinkedIn, or other marketing materials to promote your business or services, the expense might be deductible. For instance, a consultant, coach, or freelancer can justify the cost if the photo is used to enhance their personal brand or business presence.

3. Real Estate Agents

A headshot may be considered a necessary marketing tool for real estate agents, particularly when used in promotional materials, websites, and listings.

4. Public Speakers or Authors

A public speaker or an author may be able to deduct the cost of a professional headshot if it is used in promotional materials, websites, or media appearances to build their personal brand or for media/public relations purposes.

5. Lawyers, Accountants, and Other Professionals

If you're a professional such as a lawyer or accountant, and you use the headshot on your website, business cards, or promotional materials you should ask your accountant.

6. Influencers and Content Creators

Social media influencers and content creators often use professional headshots for branding purposes. If the photo is part of creating content that supports your business income, it may qualify as a deductible expense.

7. Sales and Marketing Professionals

If your headshot is used for networking, promotional materials, or client-facing purposes, it's likely a business expense and may be deductible.


Professional Headshots & Corporate Work

According to Intuit, from the TurboTax program and other software titles, you can claim a deduction if your employer (which issues you a W-2) requires a headshot but doesn’t reimburse you for it. That is considered an ‘unreimbursed employee business expense’ .

Instances like this might be rare for many, as companies often have photographers who take headshots of their employees all day long at no cost to the individual. But for smaller companies, they might ask you to get a headshot on your own expenses.


Thought on Partial Reimbursement

There are companies out there who need their employees to get their own headshots. Perhaps a person is newly hired. Or they missed photo day. Or maybe the company doesn’t have an ongoing partnership with a photographer for new-hire and headshot update sessions.

I had a client who inquired about professional headshots. Her company only reimbursed $50 towards a headshot session. Fully knowing that you get what you pay for, she did her research and contacted me. We had a great session and she was more than willing to cover the extra cost to get a professional headshot taken.

I recommended for her to talk to her tax person to see if the additional cost could be deductable.


Key Considerations:

Business Purpose: The photo must be used for a legitimate business purpose. Personal photos are not deductible, but if the headshot serves to promote or enhance your career or business, it might qualify.

Documentation: Keep detailed records of the expense (e.g., receipts for the headshot session), and ensure you track how the photo is being used (e.g., on business cards, websites, marketing materials).


Again, please see your accountant, tax preparer, or small business tax software for further details on this. Chat with your pro before the end of the tax season and see if your new professional headshots are deductible business expenses!