Tax Deductions Checklist
Stained Glass Artist Tax Deductions Checklist (2026)
2026 tax deduction checklist for self-employed stained glass artists. Claim deductions on glass, tools, studio space, and art show expenses.
Key Takeaways
- Keep a project log with glass types used, materials consumed, and hours worked for each commissioned piece. This supports both your pricing strategy and your expense deductions.
- If you teach stained glass classes in your studio, the portion of studio expenses attributable to teaching is still deductible. Track class hours versus production hours.
- Glass breakage during cutting and grinding is a normal part of the process. The cost of wasted glass is included in your supply deductions, so do not worry about separating waste from usable material.
Self-employed stained glass artists invest in specialty glass, soldering equipment, studio space, and craft show participation. Your material and tool costs are substantial and fully deductible. This checklist covers every write-off for stained glass artists filing their 2026 Schedule C.
Use this interactive checklist to review every deduction you might be eligible for. Check off items as you go to track your progress. Each deduction includes the Schedule C line where it belongs, plus a concrete example specific to your profession.
Your Deductions Checklist
Glass and Materials
Stained glass sheets, solder, came, and other consumable materials.
Art glass sheets from manufacturers like Youghiogheny, Spectrum, or Kokomo.
Example: Glass purchases averaging $300/month ($3,600/year).
Lead-free solder and flux for joining glass pieces.
Example: Solder at $25/pound (20 pounds) plus flux ($600/year).
Lead came strips and copper foil tape for construction techniques.
Example: Lead came and copper foil at $300/year.
Black or copper patina, cement, and whiting for finishing pieces.
Example: Finishing supplies at $150/year.
Metal framing for panels and decorative pieces.
Example: Zinc and brass channel at $200/year.
Tools and Equipment
Glass cutting, grinding, and soldering equipment.
Electric glass grinder for shaping and fitting glass pieces.
Example: Glastar or Inland grinder at $200-400.
Temperature-controlled soldering iron and stand.
Example: Hakko soldering station at $120.
Glass cutters, running pliers, breaking pliers, and grozing pliers.
Example: Toyo cutter at $20, running pliers at $15, various pliers ($100/year).
Backlit work surface for tracing patterns and inspecting glass color.
Example: Light table or LED panel at $150.
Glass kiln for fusing, slumping, or kilnformed pieces.
Example: Small glass kiln at $1,500 (Section 179 deduction).
Marketing and Art Shows
Costs for selling your work and attracting commissions.
Booth rental at juried art shows and craft fairs.
Example: 8 shows at $150-400 each ($2,000/year).
Professional website with gallery and commission inquiry forms.
Example: Squarespace at $16/month plus domain ($207/year).
Photos of finished pieces for portfolio and marketing.
Example: Professional photographer for 2 sessions at $250 each ($500/year).
Fees for selling smaller pieces through online marketplaces.
Example: Etsy transaction and listing fees on $5,000 in sales ($475/year).
Home Studio
Dedicated workspace for creating stained glass pieces.
Dedicated studio space for cutting, grinding, and soldering glass.
Example: 250 sq ft studio at $5/sq ft simplified method ($1,250/year).
Exhaust fan and ventilation for soldering fumes.
Example: Ventilation fan and ductwork at $300.
Power for grinder, kiln, soldering iron, and lighting.
Example: Kiln and equipment electricity at approximately $100/month ($1,200/year).
Glass storage racks, work surfaces, and organization systems.
Example: Glass storage rack at $200, work table at $300 ($500).
Travel and Delivery
Mileage for installations, art shows, and supply runs.
Miles driven to set up and attend art shows.
Example: 2,000 miles for art shows at $0.70/mile ($1,400/year).
Travel to client sites for installing commissioned pieces.
Example: 1,500 miles for installations ($1,050/year).
Trips to stained glass supply stores and distributors.
Example: 800 miles for supply runs ($560/year).
Packing and shipping for pieces sold online or at a distance.
Example: Custom crating and shipping for 15 pieces at $60 each ($900/year).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not tracking glass purchases because they are bought frequently in small amounts
Use a dedicated business card for all glass and supply purchases. Keep a running log of what you buy and which projects it supports.
Forgetting to deduct art show booth fees and travel
Booth rental, display equipment, and travel to art shows are all deductible. These are marketing expenses that directly generate sales.
Not claiming kiln electricity as a business expense
If you use a kiln for fusing or slumping, the electricity consumption is significant. Use a power meter to measure actual costs.
Overlooking safety equipment and ventilation costs
Respirators, safety glasses, ventilation systems, and first aid supplies are all deductible studio expenses.
Missing the shipping and crating deduction for pieces sold at a distance
Custom crating, packing materials, and shipping fees for sold artwork are deductible supply and postage expenses.
Quick Reference: Deductions at a Glance
| Expense | Schedule C Category |
|---|---|
| Stained glass sheets | Glass and Materials (Line 22 - Supplies) |
| Solder and flux | Glass and Materials (Line 22 - Supplies) |
| Lead came and copper foil | Glass and Materials (Line 22 - Supplies) |
| Patina, cement, and finishing supplies | Glass and Materials (Line 22 - Supplies) |
| Zinc and brass framing | Glass and Materials (Line 22 - Supplies) |
| Glass grinder | Tools and Equipment (Line 13 - Depreciation) |
| Soldering iron and station | Tools and Equipment (Line 13 - Depreciation) |
| Glass cutting tools | Tools and Equipment (Line 13 - Depreciation) |
| Light table | Tools and Equipment (Line 13 - Depreciation) |
| Kiln (for fused glass)* | Tools and Equipment (Line 13 - Depreciation) |
| Art show and craft fair booth fees | Marketing and Art Shows (Line 8 - Advertising) |
| Portfolio website | Marketing and Art Shows (Line 8 - Advertising) |
| Professional photography of work | Marketing and Art Shows (Line 8 - Advertising) |
| Etsy or online marketplace fees | Marketing and Art Shows (Line 8 - Advertising) |
| Home studio deduction* | Home Studio (Line 30 - Business Use of Home) |
| Studio ventilation | Home Studio (Line 30 - Business Use of Home) |
| Electricity for studio equipment* | Home Studio (Line 30 - Business Use of Home) |
| Workbench and storage | Home Studio (Line 30 - Business Use of Home) |
| Mileage to art shows and fairs* | Travel and Delivery (Line 9 - Car and Truck Expenses) |
| Mileage for installations | Travel and Delivery (Line 9 - Car and Truck Expenses) |
| Mileage to glass suppliers | Travel and Delivery (Line 9 - Car and Truck Expenses) |
| Shipping costs for sold pieces | Travel and Delivery (Line 9 - Car and Truck Expenses) |
* = business-use percentage only (partial deduction)
The Bottom Line
Stained glass artists can deduct glass, solder, tools, studio space, art show fees, and installation travel. Material costs are your largest ongoing expense. Track every glass purchase, every art show, and every installation trip to maximize your deductions.
If you want to get your bank and credit card transactions sorted into the right Schedule C categories without building a spreadsheet, that is what Categorize My Expenses does. Upload your statements, review the AI-suggested categories, and get an organized report for your tax filing.
Disclaimer: This checklist is for educational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Tax rules change, and individual situations vary. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your situation. Categorize My Expenses is a financial data organization tool. It is not a tax preparer and does not provide tax advice.
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