24 Tax Write-Offs for Massage Therapists

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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
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

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

🧴
Massage accessories
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

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

📜
Certifications & licenses
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 23

Any required certifications or licensing fees can be deducted.

🔑
Studio fees
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 20b

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

👥
Membership fees
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

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

📱
Phone & accessories
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

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

⚖️
Legal fees
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 17

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

🎶
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 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!

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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!

🛣️
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 ...

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
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 ...

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
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 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
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!