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?
Schedule C, Box 23
Licensing fees in the state where you work are considered a write-off.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Continuing education class required to keep your job are fully deductible.
Schedule C, Box 18
If you use software to keep track of appointments, write off the subscription.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Any uniforms you're required to wear on the job are considered tax-deductible.
Schedule C, Box 22
Write off everything you use to clean, including sprays, rags, soap, and more.
Schedule C, Box 36 (COGS)
If you have to keep inventory of products or samples, you can write these off.
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!
Schedule C, Box 22
Write off all the lacquers, dip powers, and decals you use on clients.
Schedule C, Box 22
Brushes, cotton pads, cuticle clippers, and other tools for manicures are write-offs.
Schedule C, Box 8
Print and online advertising costs for your business are considered write-offs.
Schedule C, Box 8
Squarespace, Wix, GoDaddy, and other website service fees are fully tax-deductible.
Schedule C, Box 27a
If buy a phone or laptop and use it for work, it's partially deductible.
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 18
Write off the tools you use to create assets, schedule posts, or pull analytics.
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.
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.
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!
Schedule C, Box 24b
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!
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.
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 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.
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!
