While it doesn't compare to the pain of childbirth, filling out your Schedule C is a special kind of agony. No one should face it alone.
If you work as a doula, coming home to face your taxes probably requires more energy than you can spare. Keeper is here to help! The following tax guide will help take the guesswork out of claiming your business write-offs.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Classes you take to enhance your skills after getting your license are tax write-offs.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Keeping up with the latest trends and techniques with books and courses can be written off.
Schedule C, Box 22
Medical supplies, like stethoscopes, PPE, and more, can be written off.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Any uniforms you're required to wear on the job are considered tax-deductible.
Schedule C, Box 18
Deduct anything you buy for your office, like pens, binders, folders, printer ink, or a whiteboard.
Schedule C, Box 20b
If you rent an office to see patients, you can write this off.
Schedule C, Box 8
Squarespace, Wix, GoDaddy, and other website service fees are fully tax-deductible.
Schedule C, Box 8
Print and online advertising costs for your business are considered write-offs.
Schedule C, Box 18
Software for scheduling or hosting meetings, like Zoom or Calendly, is tax-deductible.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Do you pay for memberships or certifications from Birthworks, CAPPA, DONA International, or another group? These expenses make you a better doula — so you get to write them off.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Spotify, Pandora, or other music streaming services you use while with clients are write-offs.
If you drive to conferences, birthing locations, or even meetings with expectant parents, you can write off a portion of your gas, insurance, and other car expenses!
Schedule C, Box 27a
Parking for a meeting downtown, or any other work trip, is tax-deductible!
Schedule C, Box 27a
A toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible!
Schedule C, Box 13
If you buy a new car, you can write off part of the cost every year for five years.
Schedule C, Box 22
Flashlights, tire iron, duct tape, and other tools you may need in your vehicle are deductible.
Schedule C, Box 15
Car insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible.
Schedule C, Box 9
Oil changes, repairs, and regular checkups are all tax-deductible if you drive for work.
Talking things out over a nice meal can help lower stress. If you find yourself grabbing a business lunch with expectant parents or fellow doulas, don't forget that it counts as a write-off.
Schedule C, Box 24b
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!
Are you attending the DONA International Summit, or helping an out-of-state parent with a birth? That counts as work-related travel, which means you get to write off your hotel fees, airfare — even your Lyft rides to and from the airport.
Schedule C, Box 24a
Planes, trains, and car rentals are all work-related travel costs that can be written off.
Schedule C, Box 24a
When you travel for work, lodging expenses such as hotel rooms or Airbnb are write offs.
Schedule C, Box 24a
When you're traveling for work, all meals are tax-deductible. Even takeout!
As a doula, you might host birthing classes in your own space, meet with expectant parents at home, or management your business website from a dedicated desk in your living room. All of that qualifies you to claim home office expenses.
Schedule C, Box 18
A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs.
Schedule C, Box 21
You can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property.
Form 8829
Gotta keep the lights on in your home office! A portion of your electricity bill counts.
Form 8829
Whether it's rental or homeowners insurance, you can write off a portion through your home office deduction.
Form 8829
It'd be hard to work in an office without running water, huh? You water bill counts.
Schedule C, Box 25
Your Comcast bill is a tax write-off. You need internet to do your job!
