According to the IRS, you can deduct any expense that is related to your profession as long as it is considered common and helps you in conducting your business. But what counts as a legitimate deduction? Here, actors and models are often required to undergo a makeover for different roles or projects. So they can deduct the cost of haircuts and other styling necessities as a business expense under “research items”. However if your profession is not directly related to entertainment then you cannot deduct hair care as a business expense. If you require grooming items/services for business purposes, you can deduct cost for the same from your gross income as a legitimate business expense.

Can you take hair care as a tax deduction?

Generally, hair care and hairstyling are considered personal expenses. However, under special circumstances, the IRS does allow certain professionals to deduct expenses related to their physical body appearance.

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Can actors claim a haircut as a business expense?...Read more

What other personal grooming expenses can actors claim?...Read more

Who can claim personal grooming as a deduction?...Read more

Can actors claim a haircut as a business expense?

According to the IRS, to count as a deduction, or write-off, an expense has to serve a clear business purpose in your line of work. You can deduct any expense that is related to your profession as long as it is considered common and helps you in conducting your business. So, as an actor, if you feel a haircut or any other hair styling regime is directly or indirectly necessary for your trade or business, you can claim it as a tax write-off. Some other freelance professions where you can claim the tax deduction include:

Actors
Performing artists
Musicians
Models
Hair Stylists
Cosmetic or make-up artists

What other personal grooming expenses can actors claim?

Normally, the IRS does not allow tax deductions for the following personal grooming items:

Make-up
Hairdressing
Hair spray
Skincare products
Hair conditioners
Teeth whitening or straightening

However, as an actor/model or performing artist, you can claim these items as work-related tax deductions. For example, if you work as a performance artist and need a particular hairstyle for a role you are performing, you can deduct the cost of the hairstyle from your taxes. You can also claim the cost of maintaining a particular style or haircut as part of a costume for continuity purposes.

Who can claim personal grooming as a deduction?

To deduct any expense, it must be directly related to your business. If you’re a part of the entertainment industry, where it’s necessary for you to maintain a certain appearance as a part of your business, then you can deduct it. Actors/Models: As an actor, you are bound to play roles that may require you to undergo a makeover to suit the character or persona. Here, you can deduct the cost of the makeup, hairstyle, and cosmetic accessories from your taxes since it is directly related to your trade or business. Models are also eligible to claim haircuts, wigs, clothes, and other styling accessories as business expenses. Performing Artists: As a performing artist, you can deduct the cost associated with the role you have to play. If you require tinted contact lenses or special glasses for a role, you can claim the cost. However, the lenses must be cosmetic and must be used for a role you have already attained, not an audition. Moreover, you cannot claim a business deduction for prescription contacts or glasses as the IRS classifies those as medical expenses. Dancers: Dancers or entertainers who need to wear makeup, wigs, and clothing that isn’t appropriate for everyday wear, can be considered as a deductible. Musicians: Musicians generally have to demonstrate a certain persona that makes them interesting and successful as a performer, this is also tied to how you present yourself. So, as a musician, you can deduct the cost associated with your appearance which includes- hairstyles, clothing, make-up, tattoos, etc. There are some other professions that allow you to deduct hair care as a tax write-off.

Click here to find out how FlyFin can help you to take this as a deduction.

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