Alright, babes, let’s talk about something no one really wants to talk about but absolutely needs to—taxes. Yup, the big, scary T-word. If you’re a freelance makeup artist, you probably feel like taxes are this mysterious monster hiding under the bed. But fear not! I’ve got you covered with the real-deal tips that’ll make tax season a breeze. Like, I promise you’ll be filing your taxes faster than you can blend that contour.
1. Keep Every. Single. Receipt.
You know that drawer (or bag, or random pile) where you stuff receipts? Yeah, that’s now your best friend. Any time you buy anything remotely related to your business—think brushes, foundation, lashes, or even that glam ring light—keep the receipt. Why? Because those are expenses, honey, and they’re gonna save you money.
Snap pics of receipts with your phone and save them in a folder called “Tax Stuff” or “Don’t Throw These Out.” You’ll thank yourself later when you’re not digging through your purse like it’s a Mary Poppins bag.
2. Track Your Income Like a Pro
Whether you’re getting paid in cash, Venmo, or barter (yes, that free coffee counts), track it all. Use an app, a spreadsheet, or even a cute notebook. The goal? Know exactly how much dough you’re pulling in so you can report it accurately.
The taxman doesn’t care that a bride paid you in cupcakes. If it’s payment, it’s income. Write it down.
3. Set Aside Taxes (Like Right Now)
This one’s gonna sting a bit, but hear me out. Every time you get paid, put aside 20-30% for taxes. I know it hurts to see that money go into a boring “tax savings” account, but future you—the one who’s not panicking in April—will be grateful.
Automate it! Have your bank automatically move a chunk of your earnings to a savings account. It’s like hiding money from yourself, but in a good way.
4. Learn About Deductions
Okay, let’s talk about the magic of deductions. Basically, these are expenses that reduce your taxable income, which means you pay less. Here’s a little cheat sheet of what you can write off:
Makeup and tools (yes, even that $50 palette you just HAD to have)
Marketing stuff (website fees, Instagram ads, business cards)
Travel expenses (mileage, parking, tolls when heading to gigs)
Education (makeup courses, workshops, books)
Home office space (if you’ve got a dedicated glam zone at home, claim it!)
Keep it legit. If you’re writing off your home office, it better be an actual space for work, not your kitchen table where you also eat pizza.
5. Hire an Accountant (or Use a Tax App)
Look, unless you’re secretly a tax wizard, get some help. An accountant who understands freelance work can save you SO much time, stress, and probably money.
If you’re more of a DIY-er, try apps like QuickBooks or TurboTax. They’ve got options specifically for freelancers, and they make the whole process way less terrifying.
6. Save for Retirement (Yes, Even You)
I know, retirement feels a million years away. But trust me, start now. Freelancers don’t have 401(k)s handed to them, so you’ve gotta DIY it. Look into an IRA (Individual Retirement Account) or a Solo 401(k). Bonus: Contributions to these accounts can be tax-deductible. Boom, double win!
7. Understand Quarterly Taxes
Okay, this is where it gets a little extra. If you’re making decent money as a freelance MUA, you might need to pay taxes four times a year instead of just once. Yup, quarterly taxes are a thing. Basically, you’re pre-paying Uncle Sam so he doesn’t hit you with a huge bill later.
Google “quarterly tax deadlines” and mark them in your calendar. Better yet, set reminders—because missing these can cost you in penalties.
8. Don’t Fear Audits
If you’re keeping good records and being honest, audits shouldn’t scare you. Just make sure you’ve got everything organized—income, expenses, receipts, the works.
Auditors love neatness. A clean spreadsheet or organized folder could literally save you hours of stress.
9. Invest in Your Biz
Here’s a sneaky little tax hack: If you’ve had a good year and made more money than you expected, reinvest in your business. Buy that new camera for filming tutorials, upgrade your kit, or sign up for a high-end masterclass. These expenses lower your taxable income, so you’ll owe less.
10. Ask for Help
Still feeling overwhelmed? Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are so many resources out there for freelancers—and even some specifically for makeup artists. Hit up forums, join MUA Facebook groups, or slide into the DMs of someone who’s been in the game longer than you. We’re all in this together.
And there you have it—your crash course in freelance MUA taxes. It’s not the most glamorous topic, but getting your taxes right means keeping more money for the things you actually love (like makeup, obvi). So go on, tackle those taxes like a boss. You’ve got this!
