27 Tax Deductions for Hairstylists | Beem

NAICS code: 812112

You are a self-employed hairstylist, which means you are your own employer. And filing taxes as your own boss can be hectic. You don’t have to worry about it because there are some tax write-offs that will come in handy when you are filing your taxes.

You will be surprised to learn how you won’t have to pay for scissors, hair care products, and all the other hairstyling tools from your own pocket. You can notify the IRS that these purchases are business-related and you can get your money back.

We have put together a list of the most common write-offs for independent hairstylists that you can use to deduct your expenses.

Continuing education classes

Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 27a

Continuing education classes required to keep your job are fully deductible.
Cosmetic license

Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 23

You need a license to work as a hairstylist. The licensing fees that you pay can be written off on taxes as well.
Advertising

Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 8

Both work-related online and offline advertising costs are tax deductible.
Chair fees

Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 10

You need chairs for your customers to sit. When you purchase these chairs, you can write them off of taxes.
Appointment booking software

Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 18

If you have installed a paid software for your customers to book their appointments, then write off the subscription fee on taxes.
Haircare tools & supplies

Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 22

Shampoos, hair styling equipment like straighteners, curlers, and other hair care products are all tax deductible.

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Website & hosting fees

Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 8

Website service fees on Wix, GoDaddy, and Squarespace are all completely tax deductible.
Inventory & samples

Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 36 (COGS)

If you need to rent a place to keep your inventory and samples, then you can write off the rent money on taxes.
News & magazine subscriptions

Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 27a

When you buy newspaper and magazine subscriptions for customers, you can deduct the money on taxes.
Creative assistance

Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 11

If you have hired a graphic designer, copywriter, or photographer for publishing and advertising purposes, then you can write off the money you pay them.
Music streaming services

Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 27a

If you use streaming platforms like Spotify and Pandora to entertain your customers in the salon, then you can write off the subscription fees.

If you drive for work ...

You might spend a lot of your time zipping around town to meet clients, finish assignments and do your research among other tasks. Luckily, you can write off car-related expenses like maintenance and gas. Keep these tax write-offs in mind as a growing .

Parking
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 27a
Parking for a meeting downtown, or any other work trip, is tax-deductible!
Tolls
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 27a
A toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible!
Car purchase & depreciation
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 13
If you buy a new car, you can write off part of the cost every year for five years.
Vehicle tool kit
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 22
Flashlights, tire iron, duct tape, and other tools you may need in your vehicle are deductible.
Car insurance & registration
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 15
Car insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible.
Car maintenance
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 9
Oil changes, repairs, and regular checkups are all tax-deductible if you drive for work.

If you discuss work at a restaurant ...

Networking is a core practice of a successful and it can also be added to your tax write-offs. You likely often meet clients or people in your field at restaurants to chat about work, discuss projects and sign deals. When you do, remember to write off your business meal expenses.

🍔 Business meals
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 24b
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it’s a write-off!

If you leave town for work ...

Meeting an out-of-town client, attending a conference or networking is all part of the job. There are many reasons for you to travel for work as a busy and they can all be added as tax write-offs. They also count as business trips, so you can write off your travel costs.

Transportation
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 24a
Planes, trains, and car rentals are all work-related travel costs that can be written off.
Travel lodging
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 24a
When you travel for work, lodging expenses such as hotel rooms or Airbnb are write offs.
Meals while traveling
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 24a
When you’re traveling for work, all meals are tax-deductible. Even takeout!

If you work from home ...

When you’re not busy working outside, you might spend your time working from your home as a successful and many activities count as tax write-offs. These include business plans, promotional work and coming up with new strategies. In this case, don’t forget to write off your home office expenses!

Home office furniture
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 18
A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs.
Property repairs
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 21
You can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property.
Power bill
Write it off using: Form 8829
Gotta keep the lights on in your home office! A portion of your electricity bill counts.
Property insurance
Write it off using: Form 8829
Whether it’s rental or homeowners insurance, you can write off a portion through your home office deduction.
Water bill
Write it off using: Form 8829
It’d be hard to work in an office without running water, huh? You water bill counts.
Wi-Fi bill
Write it off using: Schedule C, Box 25
Your Comcast bill is a tax write-off. You need internet to do your job!