A Practical Checklist for Consultants, Content Creators & Conscious Freelancers

As someone who works with wellness practitioners, course creators, and transformational brands, a big part of my job involves staying immersed in the same world my clients live in. That means I often invest in tools, trainings, and experiences that might look a little “out there” to a traditional accountant—but are absolutely relevant to my work.

Whether it’s a 52-week energy mastery program, a somatic training, a flight to a filming location, or a subscription to stock music for a YouTube series—these are legitimate business expenses when used to support and grow your existing business.

The IRS agrees. Under Section 162 and related publications (like Pub 535 and Pub 463), many of these expenses are deductible as long as you can show how they’re “ordinary and necessary” for your trade.

This checklist will help you:
✅ Identify often-overlooked deductions specific to creative and wellness-based work
✅ Tie each category to IRS documentation for tax-proofing
✅ Feel confident claiming expenses that support both your inner growth and professional success

Let’s turn your expenses into strategy—and keep more of what you earn.

🧠 Education & Professional Development

(IRS Pub 535 – Chapter 11: Educational Expenses)

  • Online Courses & Trainings
     Courses like energy mastery, somatic facilitation, or trauma-informed design can be written off if they help you better serve your existing client base.

  • Coaching or Mentorship Programs
     Business coaching or spiritual mentorship that helps refine your client process or offerings is a professional development expense.

  • Books, eBooks, and Paid Research
     If it teaches you more about your industry or your audience (like trauma, design trends, or marketing strategy), it’s deductible.

  • Membership Platforms (e.g. MasterClass, Skillshare)
     Ongoing learning that enhances your services or creative work can qualify as a write-off.

📣 Marketing, Media & Content Tools

(IRS Pub 535 – Advertising Expenses)

  • YouTube or Podcast Hosting Fees
     If you’re creating content to promote your services, this is part of your advertising budget.

  • Music Licensing (e.g. Artlist, Epidemic Sound)
     Used in promotional or client content, these subscriptions are media production tools.

  • Stock Photo & Video Platforms
     Footage and photos for branding, client projects, or social content are a direct marketing expense.

  • Video Editing Tools (Adobe Premiere, CapCut Pro)
     Software used to create reels, promo clips, or course videos is deductible as a business tool.

  • Paid Ads or Boosted Posts
     Any money spent promoting your services online qualifies as advertising.

💻 Digital Tools & Online Platforms

(IRS Section 179 + Pub 535 – Office Expenses)

  • Website Hosting & Domain Names
     Maintaining a professional online presence is a fundamental business expense.

  • Email Marketing Tools (ConvertKit, MailerLite)
     Tools used for newsletters, launches, and client communication are deductible.

  • Project Management Tools (Notion, Asana)
     Your organizational stack counts when it’s central to how you manage client work.

  • Cloud Storage Services (Dropbox, Google Drive)
     Used to store work files, videos, contracts, and client assets = fully deductible.

🛠️ Equipment & Workspace Essentials

(IRS Section 179 + Pub 587 – Business Use of Home)

  • Cameras, Drones, and Audio Equipment
     If you’re using this gear to produce client work or promote your services, it’s a write-off (often depreciated over time).

  • Home Office Setup (Chair, Desk, Monitor)
     If you work from home and use these items exclusively for business, they count under the home office deduction.

  • Phone, Laptop, or Tablet
     You can deduct the percentage used for business (if mixed use, track your time!).

  • Props or Supplies for Filming or Design
     Art materials, scenic objects, or visual props used in your content = production costs.

✈️ Travel, Meals & Research Trips

(IRS Pub 463 – Travel, Meals, and Entertainment)

  • Airbnb or Hotels During Client Work or Filming
     If you’re traveling specifically to work with a client, film, or scout, your lodging is deductible.

  • Mileage, Gas, and Tolls for Work Trips
     Track your travel to shoots, meetings, or events—it can add up fast under mileage or actual costs.

  • Meals While Traveling for Work
     Deduct 50% of your meals while on qualifying business travel.

  • Entry Fees to Nature Preserves or Filming Locations
     If it’s where you create content or meet clients, your access fees count.

  • Local Travel for Creative Research or Brand Development
     When you’re gathering visuals, filming B-roll, or studying a location for client work—this qualifies as work-related travel.