30 Tax Write-Offs for Self-Employed Nail Techs

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Part artist, part self-care professional, nail techs have a job that covers it all. But when you run your own manicure business, you may quickly find yourself overwhelmed with the administrative side of things.

One area you shouldn’t have to stress over is taxes, especially when there are so many write-offs nail techs can use to lower their tax bills. By claiming these business expenses on your taxes, you’ll free yourself up to focus on your creativity again — after all, everyone loves a splash of green, right?

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Cosmetic license
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 23

Licensing fees in the state where you work are considered a write-off.

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Continuing education classes
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Continuing education class required to keep your job are fully deductible.

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Appointment booking software
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

If you use software to keep track of appointments, write off the subscription.

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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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Cleaning supplies
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

Write off everything you use to clean, including sprays, rags, soap, and more.

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Inventory & samples
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 36 (COGS)

If you have to keep inventory of products or samples, you can write these off.

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Salon or studio rent
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 20b

Do you pay rent for a dedicated space to see clients? Whether it's a chair in a big salon, or a studio of your own, that counts as a write-off!

💅
Nail polish & dip
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

Write off all the lacquers, dip powers, and decals you use on clients.

🖌️
Nail tools
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

Brushes, cotton pads, cuticle clippers, and other tools for manicures are write-offs.

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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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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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Phone, laptop, accessories
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

If buy a phone or laptop and use it for work, it's partially deductible.

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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.

📱
Social media tools
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

Write off the tools you use to create assets, schedule posts, or pull analytics.

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If you drive for work ...

If you drive around for work, like to pick up nail supplies or attend a workshop, you can deduct a portion of your car-related 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!

🛣️
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.

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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 ...

Much of a manicurist's job happens away from the salon — like grabbing food or drinks with beauty personnel, clients, or fellow manicurists to talk about work.

Don't forget to write these business meal expenses off on your taxes!

🍔
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 ...

Travel expenses for business trips, like attending an industry conference or client meeting in another city, count as eligible write-offs and can be deducted from your taxes.

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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.

🥡
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 your home for manicures and pedicures, you can claim expenses related to running an at-home business, like a portion of your heat or property insurance.

You should also take into account the hours you spend at home, working on client development, practicing your manicurist skills, or doing industry research.

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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.

🛠️
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!