Self Employment Tax Deductions for Software Developers

Last udpated December 15th, 2022

If you’ve taken the leap and you’re hanging out a shingle as a self-employed software developer, it’s important to know how to take advantage of the benefits of being self-employed.

Knowing about tax deductions for software developers is important when it comes to maximizing the bonuses of being a freelancer instead of an employee. When tax time comes, you’ll be glad you had all the information you needed.

Why care about software development tax deductions?

Some of the tax deductions for software developers may seem inconsequential, but when taken together they can add up to a big reward when it comes time to file your tax return.

Each of the software developer tax write-offs can reduce your taxable income, which means less taxes paid and more profit in your bank account. Tax deductions for software developers also help offset the cost of establishing and maintaining your business.

How to qualify if a development expense is deductible or not?

The federal taxing authority, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), has a definition of business expense that guides what is deductible: an expense that is both ordinary and necessary:

Ordinary is a common and accepted expense in your trade or business, such as a computer for a software developer.

Necessary is a helpful and appropriate expense for your trade or business, which does not have to be indispensable. Ongoing training would be an example for a software developer.

As a self-employed software developer, it’s difficult to know all the software developer tax write-offs that can be a big benefit to you at tax time. Our list of tax deductions for software developers will help you know what to track and deduct as an expense. You can manually track your deductions with our 1099 expense spreadsheet.

Common software developer tax deductions

While it’s good to consult with an expert like an accountant if you’re uncertain, here are the expenses that are eligible as tax deductions for software developers.

Category Tax deductible
Business start-up expenses
Business start up expenses like purchasing your computer, your phone, your desk and more adds up, so luckily they are counted as a capital expense, since you will use them for more than a year.
Deductible
Software expenses
Developers likely require special software, which is counted as a tax deduction for software.
Deductible
Storage costs
Developers usually need storage space for their work, so the costs of electronic storage like an external hard drive, or a software storage program like Dropbox, are considered tax deductions for software developers.
Deductible
Office expenses
The cost of having an office, including a co-shared office space, can be used as a deduction, such as the cost of rent and utilities.
Deductible
Home office costs
If your office is in your home, that portion of the square footage can be used as a deduction for expenses like mortgage interest or rent, utility costs, and home insurance.
Deductible
Membership and licenses
If you require a special license as a software developer, or your office requires a business license, that’s a deduction, as are association memberships.
Deductible
Ongoing training
Software developers usually require ongoing training as the industry continually evolves, so you can deduct conferences, classes or other training, including professional magazine subscriptions or online training.
Deductible
Travel expenses
You can deduct the costs of airfare, train, bus tickets, and accommodations, if you have to travel for conferences, training sessions, or to meet clients.
Deductible
Vehicle costs
If you use your vehicle in the line of work there are expenses like mileage, gas, parking, road tolls, repairs, maintenance, car insurance, and more that can be claimed as tax deductions.
Deductible
Marketing or advertising
If you advertise your services, have a website for your business, or print business cards or brochures, these can all be used as tax deductions for software developers.
Deductible
Office supplies
You can deduct the cost of items like pens, notebooks, printers, printer cartridge and printer paper, or other office supplies.
Deductible
Internet and other costs
Software developers need the Internet to work, so that’s a tax deduction, along with a portion of your monthly business phone bill.
Deductible
️ Sub-contractor or assistant
Perhaps you need special expertise for a project, or you need an assistant to help you with workload. That’s an expense at tax time.
Deductible
Health insurance
Any health insurance related costs can qualify as eligible tax write-offs for software developers.
Deductible
Other expertise
If you hire an accountant or a lawyer, for instance, those costs that support your business could be tax deductible.
Deductible
Commissions & fees
Legal fees, payment processing fees (PayPal, Stripe, and others).
Deductible
Bonsai taxes (software)
A tax filing and accounting system like Bonsai is eligible as a tax deduction.
Deductible

What software development expenses are NOT tax deductible?

There are some expenses that cannot be used as tax deductions for software developers:

Category Tax deductible
Personal expenses
Costs of personal items like haircuts, or clothing that can be worn for work or personal use, can’t be deducted, unless there’s some reason you need a special uniform.
Deductible
Non-work related legal fees
That includes items like parking tickets, even if you were doing work business while parked.
Deductible
Commuting expenses
If you have to drive to your office, that mileage is not eligible as a deduction. Instead, mileage from the office to any off-site work can be deducted.
Deductible

How can I use these software development tax deductions?

Now that you know about all the software developer tax write-offs, here’s how you can take advantage of them:

  1. An online tool like Bonsai accounting and taxes.

  2. File your own income tax return using the deductions.

  3. Utilize the services of a paid accountant.

Remember, you can use Bonsai's free self-employed tax calculator to estimate your quarterly taxes!

Track 1099 expenses & keep a peace of mind at tax time

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