32 Tax Write-Offs for Self-Employed Nail Techs
NAICS business codeYour NAICS business code is a six-digit string of numbers that shows the type of work your business does. NAICS stands for North American Industry Classification System. When you do your taxes, you'll enter it in Box B of your Schedule C.812113
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.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?
Licensing fees in the state where you work are considered a write-off.
Continuing education classes required to keep your job are fully deductible.
If you use software to keep track of appointments, write off the subscription.
Any uniforms you're required to wear on the job are considered tax-deductible.
Write off everything you use to clean, including sprays, rags, soap, and more.
If you have to keep inventory of products or samples, you can write these off.
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!
Write off all the lacquers, dip powers, and decals you use on clients.
Brushes, cotton pads, cuticle clippers, and other tools for manicures are write-offs.
Print and online advertising costs for your business are considered write-offs.
Squarespace, Wix, GoDaddy, and other website service fees are fully tax-deductible.
If you buy a phone or laptop and use it for work, it's partially deductible.
If you need to hire an editor, designer, photographer, or other creative pro, write off what you pay them.
Write off the tools you use to create assets, schedule posts, or pull analytics.
The UV lamps you need for gel manicures can be written off.
Wax, sugaring, or laser hair removal tools are all tax write-offs.
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.
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 ...
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!
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.
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, 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.
A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs.
You can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property.
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? Your water bill counts.
Your Comcast bill is a tax write-off. You need internet to do your job!
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