Estheticians know the value of exfoliating. But how often do you think about the buildup that happens when you fail to take proper care of your finances? Too often, self-employed estheticians don’t take the write-offs they’re entitled to on their taxes, leaving an oily layer on their tax returns.
We’ve made it easier than ever to scrub this clean, leaving your wallet fresh and clear. Simply use the write-offs on this page, and marvel at how much prettier your tax bill becomes.
Schedule C, Box 22
Anything you use for facials or skincare for your clients is considered a write-off.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Write off decor like candles, pictures, and plants you use to create the write atmosphere for clients.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Spotify, Pandora, or other music streaming services you use while with clients are write-offs.
Schedule C, Box 23
Fees to get or renew your license to perform your work are fully deductible.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Classes you take to enhance your skills after getting your license are tax write-offs.
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 11
If you need to hire an editor, designer, photographer, or other creative pro, write off what you pay them.
Schedule C, Box 11
Write off the fees you pay to contract labor to help you complete projects.
Don't forget to add car expenses to your Schedule C if you have to drive for work, like to pick up skincare supplies or meet with a client.
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.
The business meal deduction includes grabbing a coffee with a fellow esthetician to share industry insights or going for dinner with a client to discuss a haircare or skincare routine.
Schedule C, Box 24b
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!
As a rule of thumb, all travel-related expenses on a business trip, like an out-of-town industry conference or client meeting, are tax-deductible.
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!
If clients come to you for your services, you can claim expenses related to running an at-home esthetician business, like a portion of your rent or internet.
You should also take into account the hours you spend on client development, lead generation, taking online esthetician courses, or creating ads.
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!
