27 Tax Write-Offs for Doulas

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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.

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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.

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Continued education
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Classes you take to enhance your skills after getting your license are tax write-offs.

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Books & courses
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Keeping up with the latest trends and techniques with books and courses can be written off.

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Medical supplies
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

Medical supplies, like stethoscopes, PPE, and more, can be written off.

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Uniforms
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Any uniforms you're required to wear on the job are considered tax-deductible.

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Office supplies
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

Deduct anything you buy for your office, like pens, binders, folders, printer ink, or a whiteboard.

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Office space
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 20b

If you rent an office to see patients, you can write this off.

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Website & hosting fees
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 8

Squarespace, Wix, GoDaddy, and other website service fees are fully tax-deductible.

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Advertising
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 8

Print and online advertising costs for your business are considered write-offs.

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Scheduling software
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

Software for scheduling or hosting meetings, like Zoom or Calendly, is tax-deductible.

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Birth doula certification
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Do you pay for memberships or certifications from Birthworks, CAPPA, DONA International, or another group? These expenses make you a better doula β€” so you get to write them off.

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Music streaming services
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Spotify, Pandora, or other music streaming services you use while with clients are write-offs.

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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!

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Parking
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Parking for a meeting downtown, or any other work trip, is tax-deductible!

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Tolls
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

A toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible!

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Car purchase & depreciation
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 13

If you buy a new car, you can write off part of the cost every year for five years.

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Vehicle tool kit
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

Flashlights, tire iron, duct tape, and other tools you may need in your vehicle are deductible.

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Car insurance & registration
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 15

Car insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible.

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Car maintenance
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 9

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.

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Business meals
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24b

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 β€” even your Lyft rides to and from the airport.

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Transportation
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24a

Planes, trains, and car rentals are all work-related travel costs that can be written off.

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Travel lodging
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24a

When you travel for work, lodging expenses such as hotel rooms or Airbnb are write offs.

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Meals while traveling
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24a

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 management your business website from a dedicated desk in your living room. All of that qualifies you to claim home office expenses.

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Home office furniture
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs.

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Property repairs
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 21

You can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property.

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Power bill
Write it off using:

Form 8829

Gotta keep the lights on in your home office! A portion of your electricity bill counts.

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Property insurance
Write it off using:

Form 8829

Whether it's rental or homeowners insurance, you can write off a portion through your home office deduction.

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Water bill
Write it off using:

Form 8829

It'd be hard to work in an office without running water, huh? You water bill counts.

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Wi-Fi bill
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 25

Your Comcast bill is a tax write-off. You need internet to do your job!