Tax Deductions for Massage Therapy

Massage therapists have a variable work environment. They make house calls or have a stationary place to practice. Practitioners also use tools unheard of in other professions. The tax deductions for a massage therapist are quite unlike those for other taxpayers, but the basic categories are the same.

Supplies

Massage therapists, like any other self-employed taxpayer, can deduct supplies used in the performance of their job. This includes towels, sheets, oils, creams, music (CDs or MP3 purchases) and cleaners.

Equipment

A massage therapist's equipment is also tax deductible. Massage tables, carrying cases for the portable tables, music players and portable containers for the supplies are tax deductible. They might also be depreciated.

Administrative

The cost of keeping a massage therapy business going is tax deductible. The costs of ledgers, pens, pencils, advertising, paper, ink and postage fall into this category.

Mileage

The mileage the massage therapist garners while driving from one client to another is also tax deductible. The Internal Revenue Service issues a list each year of the amount of the deduction and the restrictions. The deduction is a specific amount of cents per mile. There is also a standard mileage deduction that can be used.

Miscellaneous

Any fees from licensing, training and continuing education, as well as any supplies required in the process, are tax deductible. Association dues are also tax deductible.

References

• IRS Announcement of Mileage Rates and Restrictions
• Taxes for Massage Therapists