Working as a therapist can be incredibly fulfilling. But it can also be draining. When you're off the clock, you likely want to focus on doing things that "fill your cup" — not on scouring your bank statements, wondering what might count as an eligible deduction.
That's why we've gathered this list of top write-offs for therapists that can help lower your tax bill — and hopefully increase your time for self-care!
Schedule C, Box 27a
Write off books, publications, databases, and other reference materials you buy or subscribe to.
Schedule C, Box 20b
If you rent an office to see patients, you can write this off.
Schedule C, Box 27a
If you belong to any professional organizations, you can write off the dues.
Schedule C, Box 18
Deduct anything you buy for your office, like pens, binders, folders, printer ink, or a whiteboard.
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 27a
If buy a phone or laptop and use it for work, it's partially deductible.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Write off any CME seminars you take to learn new techniques or expose yourself to cutting-edge research.
If you drive your car for work-related purposes, like to meet clients or pick up office supplies for your therapy business, you're eligible to deduct vehicle 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.
Therapy is constantly evolving. If you go to a restaurant with a fellow therapist, mentor, or specialist to talk about industry insights or other work-related matters, you can write off the costs.
Schedule C, Box 24b
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!
While the attending a professional conference can be written off as a business expense. You can also deduct business trip expenses if the event is out of town.
That also goes for seminars on new modalities and in-person meetings with prospective clients.
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 you run a teletherapy business or see clients at home, you're eligible to deduct 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!
