25 Tax Write-Offs for Estheticians

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Reviewed by
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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.

🧴
Lotions, creams & face masks
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

Anything you use for facials or skincare for your clients is considered a write-off.

🕯️
Decor
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Write off decor like candles, pictures, and plants you use to create the write atmosphere for clients.

🎶
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.

📃
Licensing fees
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 23

Fees to get or renew your license to perform your work are fully deductible.

🎓
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.

🌐
Website & hosting fees
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 8

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

💬
Advertising
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 8

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

🎨
Creative assistance
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 11

If you need to hire an editor, designer, photographer, or other creative pro, write off what you pay them.

🛠️
Contract labor
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 11

Write off the fees you pay to contract labor to help you complete projects.

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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
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

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

🛣️
Tolls
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

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

🚘
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.

🧰
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.

☂️
Car insurance & registration
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 15

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

🔧
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 ...

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.

🍔
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 ...

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.

🛫
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.

🏨
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.

🥡
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 ...

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.

🛋️
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.

🛠️
Property repairs
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 21

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

🔌
Power bill
Write it off using:

Form 8829

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

🌪️
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.

🚰
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.

🌐
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!