22 Tax Write-Offs for Freelance Medical Billers & Coders
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.541219
Reviewed bySabrina Wiechart, CPASabrina is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with over 15 years of experience in tax preparation, planning, and S-Corp compliance. She holds a Master’s in Accounting and specializes in helping self-employed individuals make smart tax decisions. Sabrina is passionate about simplifying the S-Corp process and making sure every client keeps more of what they earn.As a medical billing expert, you know that people don’t want to pay more than they have to. But what about when it comes to your own bills? Did you know you can save significantly off your taxes just by claiming the business purchases you need to make to do your job?
Just like medical practices itemize their expenses, you can itemize the type of expenses you face every day. And with our guide to the best write-offs for medical billers and coders, you won’t even need to call a billing department to get your savings!
Educational courses and certifications to enhance your skills are considered tax write-offs.
This covers training that maintains or improves skills for the work you already do. Courses that qualify you for a new trade or profession are not deductible.
Deduct anything you buy for your office, like pens, binders, folders, printer ink, or a whiteboard.
Reference books you use for research or to hone your industry knowledge are write-offs.
Envelopes, stamps, and other postage fees supplies (plus fees!) for your business are deductible.
Software you use for invoicing, tracking expenses, creating timesheets, and so on is deductible.
If you buy a phone or laptop and use it for work, it's partially deductible — in proportion to how much you use it for business. The device itself is depreciated on Box 13 (or expensed under Section 179); your monthly service plan belongs on Box 27b, and accessories on Box 22.
Errors and omissions coverage protects you when a client claims your advice or work caused them a loss — the premiums are deductible.
Legal fees paid to set up your business or draw up paperwork are deductible.
If you drive for work ...
As a medical billing specialist, you may need to drive to meet clients, drop off official letters at the post office, or pick up office supplies. Luckily, a portion of your car expenses, such as gas or insurance, can be claimed on your taxes!
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 — if you use the actual expense method. The standard mileage rate already covers them.
Oil changes, repairs, and regular checkups are deductible if you use the actual expense method. Take the standard mileage rate instead and they're already baked into your per-mile deduction.
If you discuss work at a restaurant ...
Grabbing lunch to chat about medical billing techniques with fellow medical coders, insurance agents, or healthcare providers is a business expense you can write off. This includes both food and drinks!
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off — 50% of the tab.
If you leave town for work ...
Travel expenses, like flying to an out-of-state industry conference or staying in a hotel for a networking event in another city, can all be written off on your Schedule C.
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, your meals are 50% deductible — takeout included. (Long-haul truck drivers subject to DOT hours-of-service rules can deduct 80%.)
If you work from home ...
If you regularly work from home, you can deduct home office-related expenses. That includes attending virtual meetings or organizing client paperwork from a designated office space.
A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs. Anything over about $2,500 gets depreciated on Form 4562 instead of written off all at once.
Repairs just for your home office are 100% deductible. Repairs to the rest of your home count too, prorated by your business-use percentage on Form 8829.
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.
You need internet to do your job! If you claim a home office, deduct it prorated on Form 8829 along with your other utilities. Internet you pay for on the road, purely for work, is 100% deductible.
You may also enjoy learning about ...
What Education Expenses Are Tax-Deductible in 2026?
If you’re a freelancer, sole proprietor, or otherwise self-employed, then you probably have tax-deductible education expenses. Here's the low-down on what education expenses are tax-deductible for the 2025 tax year.
By Jesus Morales-Grace, EA
Is My Internet Bill Tax-Deductible in 2026?
Receipts for Taxes: What Do You Need to Keep?
Use This Free Spreadsheet for Your Independent Contractor Expenses
The Last Schedule C Guide You'll Ever Need
How To File Your Self-Employment Taxes in 7 Easy Steps
Track and claim every eligible deduction with Keeper
Keeper scans your accounts for write-offs and files your return — with tax pros reviewing every one.
Try it free