If you’re an interior designer, home stager, or contractor, you’re not just creating beautiful spaces—you’re running a full-blown business. And that means taxes.

Many home industry professionals miss out on valuable deductions or get hit with big tax bills simply because they didn’t know what to track. Here's how to stay on top of your taxes without letting the admin slow you down.

Common Deductions to Track

You may be eligible to write off:

Design Software & Tools – Subscriptions like DesignFiles, Canva Pro, or AutoCAD
Marketing & Website Costs – Your domain, Squarespace subscription, branding, and SEO support
Client Gifts & Samples – Small thank-you gifts and purchased samples
Home Office – If you do admin or design work from home, this could be a major deduction
Business Use of Your Vehicle – Site visits, vendor runs, consultations (track your mileage!)
Photography & Portfolio Costs – Professional shoots, editing tools, props
Subcontractors & Assistants – If you hire help for installs, cleaning, admin, etc.

Keep digital receipts and a simple expense tracker. A little organization = big savings at tax time.

Don’t Forget Quarterly Taxes

If no taxes are being withheld from your income (like most freelancers), you’ll need to make quarterly estimated payments to avoid penalties. These are due:

April 15, June 17, September 16, and January 15 (for 2025)

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Track Deposits Carefully

It’s easy to mix personal and business income, especially when clients pay via Venmo, Zelle, or Cash App.

Pro tip: Use a separate business bank account and label every deposit so you don’t pay taxes on personal transfers.

Should You Be an LLC?

LLCs can help protect your assets and may provide tax benefits, especially if you grow your team. But not everyone needs one right away. If you’re unsure, we can walk you through the pros and cons for your situation.