24 Tax Write-Offs for Massage Therapists

NAICS business code: 621399

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.

As a message therapist, your day is focused on physical and mental health — but what about your financial health? A well-maintained wallet is an important part of self care, and one of the easiest ways you can practice that is by reducing your tax bill.

Independent massage therapists can write off any ordinary business expense from their taxes, and we’ve made things even easier by putting all the best tax write-offs for message therapists in one place. So light some incense and prepare to be soothed, because these savings will relax even the tensest muscles.

Massage table & linens

Massage tables, chairs, and linens are write-offs for you.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 22

Massage accessories

Oils, lotions, stones, and other accessories used to give massages are deductible.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 22

Certifications & licenses

Any required certifications or licensing fees can be deducted.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 23

Studio fees

If you rent an office, studio, or room at a spa, that's a tax write-off.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 20b

Membership fees

Any dues for associations like the Audio Engineering Society are deductible.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 27b

Phone & accessories

Part of your actual phone's cost, monthly phone bill, and any accessories you use for work can be written off.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 27b

Legal fees

Legal fees paid to set up your business or draw up paperwork are deductible.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 17

Music streaming services

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

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 27b

If you drive for work ...

If your business model includes making house calls, you likely spend a fair amount of time driving for work. Remember to write off your car-related expenses on your Schedule C!

Parking

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

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 9

Tolls

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

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 9

Car purchase & depreciation

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

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 13

Vehicle tool kit

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

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 22

Car insurance & registration

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

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 9

Car maintenance

Oil changes, repairs, and regular checkups are all tax-deductible if you drive for work.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 9

If you discuss work at a restaurant ...

If you head to a restaurant to chat about new findings in the massage therapy world with clients, coaches, or fellow massage therapists, it counts as a business expense.

Business meals

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.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 24b

If you leave town for work ...

When you take the train to another town to meet with a massage client or fly to an out-of-state industry conference or seminar, remember to write off your travel-related expenses.

Transportation

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

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 24a

Travel lodging

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

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 24a

Meals while traveling

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.

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 24b

If you work from home ...

If you offer massage therapy from your home, you can of course deduct home office expenses on your taxes.

This also counts if you take care of administrative and business development work from home, such as booking appointments, marketing, and client development.

Home office furniture

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

Where to write it off: Schedule C, Box 18

Property repairs

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.

Where to write it off: Form 8829

Power bill

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

Where to write it off: Form 8829

Property insurance

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

Where to write it off: Form 8829

Water bill

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

Where to write it off: Form 8829

Wi-Fi bill

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