Radio Show Prep - Tax Tips for Radio Folks

A lot of folks don't realize that much of what they spend on their radio show is 100% tax deductible. The rule is, if you purchase it EXCLUSIVELY for your show or for work and it doesn't fall into ordinary expenses, then you can deduct whatever amount the company doesn't reimburse you.

Here are a few obvious examples:

Written show prep services
Online Prep services
Comedy CDs, Sound Effect CDs, etc., you use on the air
Equipment you use for your radio show like equipment for remote recording, a microphone, a camera you use exclusively for remote appearances, etc.
The portion of your computer that you use for work
The portion of your Internet Service Provider that you use for work.
Magazine subscriptions you buy to use for your show
Newspapers you wouldn't normally buy
Rental equipment you obtain for spinning CDs, etc.

Some not so obvious examples:

The portion of your cable or satellite service that you purchase exclusively for use on your show. Maybe you bought a service package with some movie channels because you use drops from them but would not normally purchase that type of programming
Second trip into the station on the same day
Clothing you've purchased exclusively for use on appearances
Mileage incurred going to and from station appearances
Mileage incurred going to and from free lance appearances
Long distance phone calls made to contact potential guests for your show
A portion of your phone service if you consistently use your home phone for business purposes like lining up guests