Write-Offs for Independent Stylists

Disclaimer:  The advice detailed below is for educational purposes only and is not meant to replace a certified tax professional nor should it be construed as legal advice. Members should seek proper legal and/or tax advice from licensed and/or certified professionals.

• Booth Rent

• Utilities (If not included in your lease)

• Towel/Cape/Gown Purchases/Service Fee

• Equipment Purchases/Rental Fees

• Laundry Services/Supplies 

  • Detergent

  • Dryer sheets

  • Bleach

  • Laundry basket

• Back-bar Supplies/Fees 

  • Shampoo

  • Conditioner

  • Treatments

  • Styling products

• Chemical Supplies/Fees 

  • Color

  • Developer

  • Perm kits

• New Supplies

  • Perm rods

  • Brushes

  • Tint bowls/brushes

  • Foils

  • Clips

  • Bobby pins

  • Wax supplies

  • Wax Supplies

  • Facial Supplies

  • Pedicure/Manicure Supplies

• New Tools 

  • Shears

  • Hot tools

  • Razors

  • Hand dryers

• Cleaning Supplies 

  • Barbicide

  • Paper towels

  • Towels/wash clothes

  • Alcohol

  • Surface cleaners

• Retail Purchases For Sale (Only if sold to clients, inventory counts as an asset.)

• Shear Sharpening

• Credit Card Fees 

  • Annual fees 

  • Late payment fees

  • Interest

  • Processing Fees

• Bank Fees 

  • Monthly service fees

  • ATM fees

  • Overdraft fees

  • Deposit fees

  • Wire transfer fees

• Contract Labor

• Paid Advertising 

  • Facebook ads

  • Instagram ads

  • Radio ads

  • Newspaper ads

  • Billboards

• Printed Publications 

  • Flyers

  • Menus

  • Business cards

• Promotional Items 

  • Key chains

  • T-shirts

  • Pens

• Office Supplies

  • Notebooks

  • Post-its

  • Pens

• Phone (Only 50% if also used for personal.)

• Mileage or Fuel (From salon to supplies store, classes or on-site services, business meetings with partners, employees, suppliers, vendors, and consultants, etc.)

• Continuing Education

• Licensing Fees

• Permits 

  • Resale permits

  • Permits required by government agencies

• Business Professional Fees 

  • Accountant

  • Lawyer

  • Website designer

• Subscriptions & Dues 

  • Membership fees

  • Music

  • Amazon Prime

  • Sam’s Club

  • Costco

• Website 

  • Domain names

  • Hosting

  • Subscription website services (Wix, Squarespace)

  •  Themes

  • Plugins

  • Stock photos

• Charitable Contributions (Cash and in-kind donations you made to charity. For a donation to be tax deductible, the organization must be categorized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit.)

• Decor 

  • Curtains

  • Rugs

  • Throw pillows

  • Plants

  • Pots

  • Hangers

  • Candles

  • Lamps

• Books & Reference Materials 

  • Printed books

  • E-books

  • Magazine subscriptions

  • Newspaper subscriptions

  • Audio books

• Gifts (Up to $25 per recipient per year.)

  • Gifts to customers

  • Business associates

  • Employees 

• Insurance 

  • General liability coverage

  • Disability plans

  • Theft insurance

  • Loss-of-income

• Retirement Plan