Graphic Designer
Tax guide for New Zealand freelance graphic designers and visual artists
Allowable Expenses
- Design software — Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma, Sketch, Procreate subscriptions
- Hardware — iPad, stylus, drawing tablet, calibrated monitor
- Stock assets — Stock photos, fonts, icon sets, templates
- Home office — NZ$5/week flat rate or actual proportion
- Portfolio & website — Behance Pro, portfolio hosting, domain name
Tax Tips
- Adobe Creative Cloud annual subscription is fully deductible
- Client-specific assets purchased for a project can be expensed against that project's income
- Photography equipment for client shoots is deductible — keep asset register
- Stock photo licences and font purchases for client work are 100% deductible in the year of purchase
Frequently Asked Questions
Can graphic designers claim design software subscriptions?
Yes. Software subscriptions like Adobe Creative Cloud are 100% deductible if used exclusively for business. If you also use them personally, claim only the business proportion.
Are stock photo and font licences deductible?
Yes. Stock images, icon sets, typeface licences, and other digital assets purchased for use in client projects are fully deductible business expenses. Keep the licence receipts and record which client projects they relate to.
How do NZ graphic designers handle GST on overseas client invoices?
If you are GST-registered and your client is outside New Zealand, the supply is zero-rated — you charge 0% GST but can still claim back GST on your NZ business purchases. Include the zero-rated amount in your GST return.
Can I claim a drawing tablet as a business expense?
Yes. An iPad, Wacom tablet, or drawing display used for client design work is a deductible business asset. If it costs over NZ$1,000, depreciate it using IRD's applicable rate. If under NZ$1,000, expense it immediately in the year of purchase.