Makeup artists: deduct your tips, your kit and your travel
Log business trips to weddings and shoots, track kit spending, and estimate quarterly taxes with Gigaverse.
Where makeup artists typically get paid
W-2 or 1099?
Most freelance makeup artists, including bridal and on-set work, are 1099 contractors filing Schedule C. Retail counter and salon jobs are usually W-2.
Tips can be deducted
Makeup artists are on the IRS tipped-occupation list (code 607). Voluntary tips are deductible up to $25,000 a year for 2025 through 2028, phasing out above $150,000 MAGI ($300,000 joint), on Schedule 1-A whether or not you itemize. Tips must be reported on a W-2, 1099 or Form 4137; service charges don't count. People in, or employed by, a specified service business are excluded, and a self-employed person's deduction can't exceed that business's net income.
Your kit is a business expense
Self-employed artists can generally deduct makeup, brushes, sanitation supplies, lighting, cases and the business share of a phone.
Travel to clients
Business driving can be deducted at 72.5 cents per mile for January to June 2026 and 76 cents per mile from July 1, 2026. Log each trip as you go.
Plan for self-employment tax
Self-employment tax is 15.3% on 92.35% of net profit once net earnings reach $400, and the Social Security part stops at the 2026 wage base of $184,500.
Makeup artist questions, answered
Do makeup artists qualify for no tax on tips in 2026?+
Yes, the IRS tipped-occupation list includes makeup artists (code 607). Voluntary tips are deductible up to $25,000 a year for 2025 through 2028, phasing out above $150,000 MAGI ($300,000 joint), on Schedule 1-A whether or not you itemize. You need a valid SSN, married couples must file jointly, and tips must be reported on a W-2, 1099 or Form 4137. Automatic service charges don't count, and people in, or employed by, a specified service business are excluded.
Is a bridal service charge a tip?+
No. Automatic gratuities and required service fees are not qualified tips. Only amounts the client chose to give, including a tip prompt they could reduce to zero, can count.
When are quarterly taxes due for 2026?+
If you expect to owe $1,000 or more, pay estimated tax for 2026 income by April 15, June 15 and September 15, 2026, and January 15, 2027.
How can a freelance makeup artist save for retirement?+
If you're self-employed, you can save in a Roth or traditional IRA (up to $7,500 for 2026, plus $1,100 if 50+), a SEP IRA, or a Solo 401(k) with a $24,500 employee deferral plus employer contributions, up to $72,000 total before catch-ups. A Solo 401(k) is for businesses with no employees other than a spouse.
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