18 Tax Deductions for Self-Employed Massage Therapists
Self-employed massage therapist tax deductions are crucial for properly managing your business finances and saving more money come tax time.
Self-employed massage therapist tax deductions are crucial for properly managing your business finances and saving more money come tax time.
Summary
Self-employed massage therapist tax deductions can help you reduce your overall tax burden. Deducting approved expenses means less taxable income, which means you get to keep more of your hard-earned revenue. This article will outline several self-employed massage therapist tax deductions you can claim to reduce your tax burden, plus which documents you’ll need to prepare for tax season, and how to make those deductions properly.
When Is the Tax Filling Deadline for Massage Therapists in 2026?
Whether you operate as a sole proprietor or single-member LLC, the federal tax deadline for self-employed massage therapists is April 15th. In some cases, you may also be required to pay quarterly taxes if you expect to make over a certain amount.
Massage therapists should keep all of their relevant accounting documents updated and accurate to ensure they’re ready for tax season once it rolls around. The last thing you need is to have the date sneak up on you with zero preparation, and be left scrambling at the last minute to compile all the forms you need to file.
There are many penalties you can incur for late tax payments. For instance, for failure-to-file penalties, the IRS typically charges 5% of the unpaid taxes each month the tax return is late, but will not exceed 25% of your unpaid taxes. The IRS may also charge you a failure-to-pay penalty, which amounts to 0.5% of the unpaid tax balance. These fees start accruing the day after your tax filing/payment due date.
[CTA_MODULE]
18 Tax Deductions for Self-Employed Massage Therapists
There are certain self-employed massage therapist tax deductions you can apply to your filing to lower your taxable income and reduce what you owe. Below, we’ve compiled a list of several business expenses you may be able to apply to your filing.
1. Equipment for providing massage services
Equipment you purchase or rent for providing massage services – chairs, tables, stools – can be written off as an expense since these items are strictly for business use.
2. Expenses for continuing education courses
Any money you pay toward earning continuing education certifications (i.e., learning new massage therapy techniques), workshops, or other training programs may qualify as a write-off.
3. State-required licenses
Massage therapist certifications and renewal fees required by your state qualify as eligible tax deductions.
4. Insurance
Another expense you can deduct is your business insurance premiums if you’ve paid for liability, malpractice, and/or property insurance policies. If you are self-employed, you may be eligible to write off your health insurance premiums in addition to your standard business insurance expenses.
5. Marketing expenses
The costs of your marketing efforts to promote your business also qualify as a business expense. This may include billboards, digital ads, flyers, and other forms of advertising media.
Attract new clients and expand your reach with GlossGenius Marketing.
6. Subscription costs for business management software
If you subscribe to any apps or software to help run your business, you may also deduct the cost of this program from your taxes.
7. Costs for sanitation
You may also deduct the cost of necessary sanitation efforts like disinfectants, hand sanitizers, laundry services, and other cleaning supplies required to maintain hygiene in your workspace.
8. Massage materials
Any materials you use for administering massages such as oils, hot stone warmers, cups, towels, and other accessories.
9. General office supplies
General office supplies like pens, paper, calendars, notebooks, or other physical goods.
10. Car maintenance
If you use your car a lot for business, like traveling to clients, workshops, or training programs, you can deduct a portion of the maintenance costs for your car on your taxes.
11. Mileage
In addition to maintenance costs, you can also deduct mileage if you use your car for official business activities like transporting goods or traveling to a client. The IRS mileage rate for 2026 is 72.5 cents per mile.
12. Rent
The costs of renting a studio space qualifies as a deduction on your taxes. If you work out of your home, you’ll need to measure the amount of dedicated office space to accurately estimate how much of your rent you can count as a business deduction.
13. Music streaming services
The music you use to set the tone and enhance the atmosphere of your massage room is also a tax deduction, as it directly relates to service performance and client experience.
14. Studio decor
The decor you choose for your massage studio can also be a tax deduction (as long as it’s what the IRS considers “ordinary” and “necessary”) – lights, artwork, waiting room couches, and other touches that contribute to a productive work environment.
15. Studio utilities
Utilities like water, electricity, heat, and air conditioning all qualify as legitimate deductions – as long as they are strictly used for your business.
16. Property repairs
Any repairs needed at your professional space, such as fixing a leak or a broken light. However, certain improvements might need to be capitalized over a period of time if their purpose is to extend the property’s useful life. For example, replacing the roof or piping system.
17. Business meals
Meals taken to discuss massage business, recruit clients, market your services, or other related activities may be expensed (up to 50% of the cost of the meal).
18. Computers and other hardware
Any computers, laptops, tablets, or hardware you use to run your business – whether for scheduling, appointments, staff management, and other professional activity – qualifies as a business expense.
[CTA_MODULE]
What Documents Do You Need to File Taxes as a Massage Therapist?
Form 1040 is the main document for filing an annual income tax return. However, this form has different filing attachments depending on your business classification, such as:
Schedule C (Form 1040)
This document is for calculating business profit/loss for massage therapists who operate as a sole proprietorship. To fill this form out, you’ll need your social security number, an income statement, a balance sheet, mileage records, or inventory counts for retail sales. You’ll also need to include the IRS business code for massage therapy: 621399.
Schedule SE (Form 1040)
If you’re a self-employed massage therapist, you’ll need to file a Schedule SE Form 1040 to calculate your total self-employment tax – which is a combination of your social security and Medicare tax. This document is where you can declare your self-employed massage therapist tax deductions and expenses to figure out your tax burden from your net earnings. You’ll have to fill in information like net profits or losses (calculated from your Schedule C), total social security wages, and unreported tips.
How to Make Tax Deductions as a Massage Therapist in 5 Steps
Before you start expensing and deducting away, there are a few steps to follow to ensure accurate filings during tax season.
1. Do your research
Tax laws are subject to change. Before you start making deductions (or spending money you don’t have), look up the most recent federal tax guidelines to see which expenses you can legally claim.
2. Keep receipts
Save any and all receipts, invoices, and bank statements related to business expenses so you have hard records to back up any deductions you plan on making. Keep them organized and easily searchable so you’re not left digging through documents.
3. Be accurate
Check to see what percentages of your expenses you can deduct – some expenses allow for 100% deduction, while others may only be 50%. If you use a portion of your home for your business, measure the square footage of your home office and your entire home for an accurate accounting of your work space. This space must be separate from your living area, and there cannot be any overlap in use.
4. Consult a professional
Hiring a tax professional can be expensive, but it can be worth the cost – particularly if you have complex tax situations. An accountant can ensure you’re not paying more than you have to, or less than you should. This investment can not only save you more money on taxes, but protect you from errors and penalties.
5. Use reliable software
Accounting software can be a game changer for busy salons. The right software will keep your financial info organized and secure, so that you can access the data you need in a flash – no sorting through filing cabinets or stacks of paper necessary.
Manage expenses, payroll, and reporting, all in one place with GlossGenius Finances.
Manage Your Taxes Seamlessly With GlossGenius
Preparing for tax season doesn’t have to be such a daunting task. In fact, proper management throughout the year can ensure you can handle tax time without breaking a sweat. Paying taxes accurately and on time is crucial for the success of your business – and for peace of mind.
GlossGenius has everything massage therapists need to run their business with precision and ease. Our Point-of-Sale and Payments features make it easy to capture and track transactions, offering an ultra-low, 2.6% processing rate whether you swipe, dip, or tap to pay. And with GlossGenius Financing, you can get the funds you need to invest in your business in as little as two business days (once approved).
Try GlossGenius today and get a 14-day free trial!
*Stripe Capital offers financing types that include loans and merchant cash advances. All financing applications are subject to review prior to approval. In the US, Stripe Capital loans are issued by Celtic Bank and YouLend provides Stripe Capital merchant cash advances.
FAQs
How do you pay yourself as a massage therapist?
How you pay yourself as a self-employed massage therapist depends on your business classification. For instance, if you function as a sole proprietorship, you can take an owner’s draw, which means you can draw funds from your business account for personal use (but these are not considered expenses and will still get taxed). If you own an LLC and are taxed as an S-Corp, you can pay yourself a “reasonable salary” for your services. The IRS defines a reasonable salary as the amount based on the fair market value of your professional services.
What can a therapist write off on taxes?
There are several items a massage therapist can write off on their taxes. This can include any lotions, oils, towels, music services, business decor, website fees, marketing materials, rental payments, utilities, internet, and any other expenses directly related to running your massage therapy business.
Can I 1099 my massage therapist?
If you are a business owner who has hired a massage therapist as an independent contractor, you may have to send them a 1099-NEC before tax time. However, before you send any documents, you must certify that the contractor is not a W-2 employee and has been paid at least $600 during the course of their business.
Can I start my own business as a massage therapist?
Yes! With the right training, documentation, and permits, massage therapists can run their own business without the need to start as an employee at an existing business (though this may help you gain experience and a positive reputation).
Can a massage be a business expense?
Most times, no. Massages and other wellness services are typically not covered as a business expense for clients looking to deduct those on their tax returns.
Is there tax on massages?
Sales tax on massage therapy services depends on the state. Some states, like California, exempt massage therapy businesses from sales tax requirements, while other states like Kentucky will only exempt sales tax for those who receive medically necessary massage therapy.
*GlossGenius does not provide tax advice. For more information on how to file deductions for your taxes, please consult the IRS website or a tax professional.
.png)
Join Our Genius Newsletter
Get the latest articles, inspiring how-to’s, and educational workbooks delivered to your inbox.
18 Tax Deductions for Self-Employed Massage Therapists
Self-employed massage therapist tax deductions are crucial for properly managing your business finances and saving more money come tax time.
Summary
Self-employed massage therapist tax deductions can help you reduce your overall tax burden. Deducting approved expenses means less taxable income, which means you get to keep more of your hard-earned revenue. This article will outline several self-employed massage therapist tax deductions you can claim to reduce your tax burden, plus which documents you’ll need to prepare for tax season, and how to make those deductions properly.
When Is the Tax Filling Deadline for Massage Therapists in 2026?
Whether you operate as a sole proprietor or single-member LLC, the federal tax deadline for self-employed massage therapists is April 15th. In some cases, you may also be required to pay quarterly taxes if you expect to make over a certain amount.
Massage therapists should keep all of their relevant accounting documents updated and accurate to ensure they’re ready for tax season once it rolls around. The last thing you need is to have the date sneak up on you with zero preparation, and be left scrambling at the last minute to compile all the forms you need to file.
There are many penalties you can incur for late tax payments. For instance, for failure-to-file penalties, the IRS typically charges 5% of the unpaid taxes each month the tax return is late, but will not exceed 25% of your unpaid taxes. The IRS may also charge you a failure-to-pay penalty, which amounts to 0.5% of the unpaid tax balance. These fees start accruing the day after your tax filing/payment due date.
[CTA_MODULE]
18 Tax Deductions for Self-Employed Massage Therapists
There are certain self-employed massage therapist tax deductions you can apply to your filing to lower your taxable income and reduce what you owe. Below, we’ve compiled a list of several business expenses you may be able to apply to your filing.
1. Equipment for providing massage services
Equipment you purchase or rent for providing massage services – chairs, tables, stools – can be written off as an expense since these items are strictly for business use.
2. Expenses for continuing education courses
Any money you pay toward earning continuing education certifications (i.e., learning new massage therapy techniques), workshops, or other training programs may qualify as a write-off.
3. State-required licenses
Massage therapist certifications and renewal fees required by your state qualify as eligible tax deductions.
4. Insurance
Another expense you can deduct is your business insurance premiums if you’ve paid for liability, malpractice, and/or property insurance policies. If you are self-employed, you may be eligible to write off your health insurance premiums in addition to your standard business insurance expenses.
5. Marketing expenses
The costs of your marketing efforts to promote your business also qualify as a business expense. This may include billboards, digital ads, flyers, and other forms of advertising media.
Attract new clients and expand your reach with GlossGenius Marketing.
6. Subscription costs for business management software
If you subscribe to any apps or software to help run your business, you may also deduct the cost of this program from your taxes.
7. Costs for sanitation
You may also deduct the cost of necessary sanitation efforts like disinfectants, hand sanitizers, laundry services, and other cleaning supplies required to maintain hygiene in your workspace.
8. Massage materials
Any materials you use for administering massages such as oils, hot stone warmers, cups, towels, and other accessories.
9. General office supplies
General office supplies like pens, paper, calendars, notebooks, or other physical goods.
10. Car maintenance
If you use your car a lot for business, like traveling to clients, workshops, or training programs, you can deduct a portion of the maintenance costs for your car on your taxes.
11. Mileage
In addition to maintenance costs, you can also deduct mileage if you use your car for official business activities like transporting goods or traveling to a client. The IRS mileage rate for 2026 is 72.5 cents per mile.
12. Rent
The costs of renting a studio space qualifies as a deduction on your taxes. If you work out of your home, you’ll need to measure the amount of dedicated office space to accurately estimate how much of your rent you can count as a business deduction.
13. Music streaming services
The music you use to set the tone and enhance the atmosphere of your massage room is also a tax deduction, as it directly relates to service performance and client experience.
14. Studio decor
The decor you choose for your massage studio can also be a tax deduction (as long as it’s what the IRS considers “ordinary” and “necessary”) – lights, artwork, waiting room couches, and other touches that contribute to a productive work environment.
15. Studio utilities
Utilities like water, electricity, heat, and air conditioning all qualify as legitimate deductions – as long as they are strictly used for your business.
16. Property repairs
Any repairs needed at your professional space, such as fixing a leak or a broken light. However, certain improvements might need to be capitalized over a period of time if their purpose is to extend the property’s useful life. For example, replacing the roof or piping system.
17. Business meals
Meals taken to discuss massage business, recruit clients, market your services, or other related activities may be expensed (up to 50% of the cost of the meal).
18. Computers and other hardware
Any computers, laptops, tablets, or hardware you use to run your business – whether for scheduling, appointments, staff management, and other professional activity – qualifies as a business expense.
[CTA_MODULE]
What Documents Do You Need to File Taxes as a Massage Therapist?
Form 1040 is the main document for filing an annual income tax return. However, this form has different filing attachments depending on your business classification, such as:
Schedule C (Form 1040)
This document is for calculating business profit/loss for massage therapists who operate as a sole proprietorship. To fill this form out, you’ll need your social security number, an income statement, a balance sheet, mileage records, or inventory counts for retail sales. You’ll also need to include the IRS business code for massage therapy: 621399.
Schedule SE (Form 1040)
If you’re a self-employed massage therapist, you’ll need to file a Schedule SE Form 1040 to calculate your total self-employment tax – which is a combination of your social security and Medicare tax. This document is where you can declare your self-employed massage therapist tax deductions and expenses to figure out your tax burden from your net earnings. You’ll have to fill in information like net profits or losses (calculated from your Schedule C), total social security wages, and unreported tips.
How to Make Tax Deductions as a Massage Therapist in 5 Steps
Before you start expensing and deducting away, there are a few steps to follow to ensure accurate filings during tax season.
1. Do your research
Tax laws are subject to change. Before you start making deductions (or spending money you don’t have), look up the most recent federal tax guidelines to see which expenses you can legally claim.
2. Keep receipts
Save any and all receipts, invoices, and bank statements related to business expenses so you have hard records to back up any deductions you plan on making. Keep them organized and easily searchable so you’re not left digging through documents.
3. Be accurate
Check to see what percentages of your expenses you can deduct – some expenses allow for 100% deduction, while others may only be 50%. If you use a portion of your home for your business, measure the square footage of your home office and your entire home for an accurate accounting of your work space. This space must be separate from your living area, and there cannot be any overlap in use.
4. Consult a professional
Hiring a tax professional can be expensive, but it can be worth the cost – particularly if you have complex tax situations. An accountant can ensure you’re not paying more than you have to, or less than you should. This investment can not only save you more money on taxes, but protect you from errors and penalties.
5. Use reliable software
Accounting software can be a game changer for busy salons. The right software will keep your financial info organized and secure, so that you can access the data you need in a flash – no sorting through filing cabinets or stacks of paper necessary.
Manage expenses, payroll, and reporting, all in one place with GlossGenius Finances.
Manage Your Taxes Seamlessly With GlossGenius
Preparing for tax season doesn’t have to be such a daunting task. In fact, proper management throughout the year can ensure you can handle tax time without breaking a sweat. Paying taxes accurately and on time is crucial for the success of your business – and for peace of mind.
GlossGenius has everything massage therapists need to run their business with precision and ease. Our Point-of-Sale and Payments features make it easy to capture and track transactions, offering an ultra-low, 2.6% processing rate whether you swipe, dip, or tap to pay. And with GlossGenius Financing, you can get the funds you need to invest in your business in as little as two business days (once approved).
Try GlossGenius today and get a 14-day free trial!
*Stripe Capital offers financing types that include loans and merchant cash advances. All financing applications are subject to review prior to approval. In the US, Stripe Capital loans are issued by Celtic Bank and YouLend provides Stripe Capital merchant cash advances.
FAQs
How do you pay yourself as a massage therapist?
How you pay yourself as a self-employed massage therapist depends on your business classification. For instance, if you function as a sole proprietorship, you can take an owner’s draw, which means you can draw funds from your business account for personal use (but these are not considered expenses and will still get taxed). If you own an LLC and are taxed as an S-Corp, you can pay yourself a “reasonable salary” for your services. The IRS defines a reasonable salary as the amount based on the fair market value of your professional services.
What can a therapist write off on taxes?
There are several items a massage therapist can write off on their taxes. This can include any lotions, oils, towels, music services, business decor, website fees, marketing materials, rental payments, utilities, internet, and any other expenses directly related to running your massage therapy business.
Can I 1099 my massage therapist?
If you are a business owner who has hired a massage therapist as an independent contractor, you may have to send them a 1099-NEC before tax time. However, before you send any documents, you must certify that the contractor is not a W-2 employee and has been paid at least $600 during the course of their business.
Can I start my own business as a massage therapist?
Yes! With the right training, documentation, and permits, massage therapists can run their own business without the need to start as an employee at an existing business (though this may help you gain experience and a positive reputation).
Can a massage be a business expense?
Most times, no. Massages and other wellness services are typically not covered as a business expense for clients looking to deduct those on their tax returns.
Is there tax on massages?
Sales tax on massage therapy services depends on the state. Some states, like California, exempt massage therapy businesses from sales tax requirements, while other states like Kentucky will only exempt sales tax for those who receive medically necessary massage therapy.
*GlossGenius does not provide tax advice. For more information on how to file deductions for your taxes, please consult the IRS website or a tax professional.
Download Now
Join Our Genius Newsletter
Get the latest articles, inspiring how-to’s, and educational workbooks delivered to your inbox.
.webp)
