Studio Rental
Hourly, daily, or monthly rental of professional studio space for content production.
Tax Form
Schedule C, Line 20b
Estimated Savings
$500-5,000/year
Best for
Income Level
How It Works
Renting external studio space for professional content production is fully deductible. This includes hourly photo/video studio rentals, podcast recording studios, sound stages, and production spaces. Important: You generally cannot claim both studio rental AND a home office deduction for the same type of work - choose the one that benefits you more.
IRS Rules & Requirements
- External studio rental is fully deductible as business rent
- Cannot claim both studio rental AND home office for same work activities
- Utility costs for rented studio are also deductible
- Storage facility rental for equipment also qualifies
- Keep rental agreements, invoices, and payment records
Real Examples
Photo/video studio rental at $100/hour × 30 hours = $3,000/year deduction
Podcast recording studio at $50/session × 50 sessions = $2,500/year deduction
Monthly production space at $800/month = $9,600/year deduction
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Claiming both studio rental and home office for same activities
- Not keeping rental agreements and receipts
- Forgetting to deduct equipment storage fees
- Missing deduction for studio utilities if billed separately
Pro Tip
Compare the cost of studio rental vs. home office deduction. If your home studio is well-equipped and you film there regularly, home office might save more. But if you need professional space occasionally, studio rentals are often more economical.
Related Deductions
Home Office (Simplified Method)
Claim $5 per square foot of dedicated workspace, up to 300 sq ft.
Coworking Space Memberships
WeWork, Industrious, and local coworking space memberships for a professional workspace outside your home.
Equipment Repairs & Maintenance
Deduct repairs and maintenance costs for cameras, computers, and other equipment.
Not sure if you qualify?
Our team reviews your specific situation and finds every deduction you're eligible for. Get a free tax review today.
Get Your Free Tax Review