Electronic Media Development Tax Deductions

When doing your taxes there are several work-related deductions that you can take. Individuals working in the electronic media industry have many different allowable deductions. Knowing where to look for deductions and how to take them will get you a bigger refund.

Home Office/Studio

Many people working in the electronic media industry work from home offices. This means they can deduct the business use their home on their federal tax returns. The home office/studio must be the primary place where you conduct business. Business means meeting clients, making videos and web pages and emailing or phoning clients. The home office must only be used for the business, no personal usage is allowed in the same space.

Equipment

Working in the electronic media development field requires the purchase of equipment. Some of the equipment is specialized and expensive, but can be written off on a tax return. Equipment that can be written off includes anything used during the regular course of business. Examples are cameras, computers, office supplies and vehicles. The cost of larger items may need to be depreciated, but there are forms to calculate this amount on the IRS website.

Travel/Entertainment

If part of your job requires you to travel to client meetings or studios, you may get to write these ventures off as tax deductions. Airfare, hotel charges, meals and transportation may all be written off as tax deductions. If an electronic media developer meets a client at a restaurant or bar, they may also write that off as an official business deduction.

Professional Expenses

Continuing education at a university is easily written off as a tax deductible. Tuition expenses, books and supplies all count. In addition, a developer may also write off trade publications, membership to professional organizations, union dues and attending seminars about the industry.