27 Tax Write-Offs for Doulas
NAICS business codeYour NAICS business code is a six-digit string of numbers that shows the type of work your business does. NAICS stands for North American Industry Classification System. When you do your taxes, you'll enter it in Box B of your Schedule C.812990
Reviewed bya tax professionalThis content has been reviewed by an Enrolled Agent (EA) with the IRS — the highest credential awarded by the agency. Enrolled Agents are empowered to represent all taxpayers before the IRS, on all types of tax-related matters. Accountants who earn this certification have passed a comprehensive three-part exam on individual and business tax returns. To maintain EA status, they must stay up to date in the field by completing 72 hours of continuing education every three years.While it doesn't compare to the pain of childbirth, filling out your Schedule C is a special kind of agony. No one should face it alone.
If you work as a doula, coming home to face your taxes probably requires more energy than you can spare. Keeper is here to help! The following tax guide will help take the guesswork out of claiming your business write-offs.
Classes you take to enhance your skills after getting your license are tax write-offs.
Keeping up with the latest trends and techniques with books and courses can be written off.
Medical supplies, like stethoscopes, PPE, and more, can be written off.
Any uniforms you're required to wear on the job are considered tax-deductible.
Deduct anything you buy for your office, like pens, binders, folders, printer ink, or a whiteboard.
If you rent an office to see patients, you can write this off.
Squarespace, Wix, GoDaddy, and other website service fees are fully tax-deductible.
Print and online advertising costs for your business are considered write-offs.
Software for scheduling or hosting meetings, like Zoom or Calendly, is tax-deductible.
Do you pay for memberships or certifications from Birthworks, CAPPA, DONA International, or another group? These expenses make you a better doula — so you get to write them off.
Spotify, Pandora, or other music streaming services you use while with clients are write-offs.
If you drive for work ...
If you drive to conferences, birthing locations, or even meetings with expectant parents, you can write off a portion of your gas, insurance, and other car expenses!
Parking for a meeting downtown, or any other work trip, is tax-deductible!
A toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible!
If you buy a new car, you can write off part of the cost every year for five years.
Flashlights, tire iron, duct tape, and other tools you may need in your vehicle are deductible.
Car insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible.
Oil changes, repairs, and regular checkups are all tax-deductible if you drive for work.
If you discuss work at a restaurant ...
Talking things out over a nice meal can help lower stress. If you find yourself grabbing a business lunch with expectant parents or fellow doulas, don't forget that it counts as a write-off.
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!
If you leave town for work ...
Are you attending the DONA International Summit, or helping an out-of-state parent with a birth? That counts as work-related travel, which means you get to write off your hotel fees, airfare — even your Lyft rides to and from the airport.
Planes, trains, and car rentals are all work-related travel costs that can be written off.
When you travel for work, lodging expenses such as hotel rooms or Airbnb are write-offs.
When you're traveling for work, all meals are tax-deductible. Even takeout!
If you work from home ...
As a doula, you might host birthing classes in your own space, meet with expectant parents at home, or manage your business website from a dedicated desk in your living room. All of that qualifies you to claim home office expenses.
A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs.
You can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property.
Gotta keep the lights on in your home office! A portion of your electricity bill counts.
Whether it's rental or homeowners insurance, you can write off a portion through your home office deduction.
It'd be hard to work in an office without running water, huh? Your water bill counts.
Your Comcast bill is a tax write-off. You need internet to do your job!
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