25 Tax Write-Offs for Estheticians
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. Estheticians know the value of exfoliating. But how often do you think about the buildup that happens when you fail to take proper care of your finances? Too often, self-employed estheticians don’t take the write-offs they’re entitled to on their taxes, leaving an oily layer on their tax returns.
We’ve made it easier than ever to scrub this clean, leaving your wallet fresh and clear. Simply use the write-offs on this page, and marvel at how much prettier your tax bill becomes.
Anything you use for facials or skincare for your clients is considered a write-off.
Write off decor like candles, pictures, and plants you use to create the write atmosphere for clients.
Spotify, Pandora, or other music streaming services you use while with clients are write-offs.
Fees to get or renew your license to perform your work are fully deductible.
Classes you take to enhance your skills after getting your license are tax write-offs.
Squarespace, Wix, GoDaddy, and other website service fees are fully tax-deductible.
Print and online advertising costs for your business are considered write-offs.
If you need to hire an editor, designer, photographer, or other creative pro, write off what you pay them.
Write off the fees you pay to contract labor to help you complete projects.
If you drive for work ...
Don't forget to add car expenses to your Schedule C if you have to drive for work, like to pick up skincare supplies or meet with a client.
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 ...
The business meal deduction includes grabbing a coffee with a fellow esthetician to share industry insights or going for dinner with a client to discuss a haircare or skincare routine.
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off! Keep in mind business meals are only 50% deductible.
If you leave town for work ...
As a rule of thumb, all travel-related expenses on a business trip, like an out-of-town industry conference or client meeting, are tax-deductible.
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, your meals are a write-off, even takeout. Like all business meals, they're 50% deductible, whether you eat on the road or close to home.
If you work from home ...
If clients come to you for your services, you can claim expenses related to running an at-home esthetician business, like a portion of your rent or internet.
You should also take into account the hours you spend on client development, lead generation, taking online esthetician courses, or creating ads.
A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs.
A repair only to your home office is deductible in full. A repair to the whole home is an indirect expense, so you deduct it in proportion to your home office percentage on Form 8829.
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? You water bill counts.
Your Comcast bill is a tax write-off. You need internet to do your job!
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