24 Tax Write-Offs for Therapists

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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!

📚
Reference material
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Write off books, publications, databases, and other reference materials you buy or subscribe to.

🔑
Office space
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 20b

If you rent an office to see patients, you can write this off.

👥
Professional membership fees
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

If you belong to any professional organizations, you can write off the dues.

📝
Office supplies
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

Deduct anything you buy for your office, like pens, binders, folders, printer ink, or a whiteboard.

🌐
Website & hosting fees
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 8

Squarespace, Wix, GoDaddy, and other website service fees are fully tax-deductible.

💬
Advertising
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 8

Print and online advertising costs for your business are considered write-offs.

📱
Phone, laptop, accessories
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

If buy a phone or laptop and use it for work, it's partially deductible.

👨‍⚕️
Medical seminars
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Write off any CME seminars you take to learn new techniques or expose yourself to cutting-edge research.

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If you drive for work ...

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.

🅿️
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 ...

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.

🍔
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 ...

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.

🛫
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 ...

If you run a teletherapy business or see clients at home, you're eligible to deduct 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!