All expenses

For 1099 contractors & freelancers

Are work clothes tax deductible?

Sometimes

Only sometimes. Clothing is deductible only if your work requires it and it isn’t suitable for everyday wear.

Where it goes on your return

Schedule C, line 27a (Other expenses) or line 22 (Supplies).

The details

Uniforms, costumes, branded shirts, and protective gear like steel-toe boots can qualify, along with their cleaning.

Clothes you could wear outside of work don’t qualify, even if you bought them only for client meetings or video calls.

Records to keep

Receipts and why the item can’t be worn normally.

In Smart Deductions, this is suggested as Other Business Expense (Schedule C line 27a). You confirm it before it counts.

Sources

General information, not tax advice. For your specific situation, check with a CPA or Enrolled Agent.