If you’re a self-employed barber or stylist — running your own business, renting a booth, or working on a freelance basis — you have a powerful advantage at tax time: you can deduct many of your everyday business expenses, which lowers your taxable income and keeps more money in your pocket.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common — and a few lesser-known — deductions stylists often overlook.
Common Deductions You Should Always Claim
- Tools & Equipment
- Scissors, clippers, razors, trimmers, blow dryers, curling irons, chairs, mirrors, lighting, and even larger equipment may be deductible or depreciated.
- Supplies & Consumables
- Shampoo, conditioners, dyes, gloves, disinfectants, towels, sanitizers, disposable capes — if you use it on clients, it’s deductible.
- Booth or Chair Rental
- If you rent space in a salon, the rent is a fully deductible business expense.
- Licensing & Professional Fees
- State licensing fees, renewal costs, permits, and professional association dues qualify.
- Business Insurance
- Liability insurance or business coverage is deductible.
- Marketing & Advertising
- Business cards, flyers, social media ads, website hosting, booking apps, branded wear, and similar marketing tools.
- Phone, Internet & Software
- If used for business, the portion used for scheduling clients, promotions, or business-related communication is deductible.
Less Common (But Valuable!) Deductions
- Education & Training
- Courses, workshops, conferences, certifications, and industry events related to improving your skills.
- Home Office / Home-Based Salon
- A dedicated area used exclusively for admin, booking, or serving clients may qualify for a home-office deduction.
- Vehicle Mileage
- Driving to buy supplies, between client appointments (if mobile), or other business travel may be deductible.
- Travel & Business Meals
- Travel tied to training, conferences, or business activity may qualify, including a portion of meals.
What Usually Isn’t Deductible
- Your own haircuts or grooming
- Commuting from home to your main salon
- Clothing you can wear outside of work (only branded uniforms count)
Tips for Smoother Tax Filing
- Keep receipts and maintain a mileage log
- Use a separate business bank account
- Update your bookkeeping monthly
- Plan major purchases strategically
- Stay informed — tax laws change
Partner with JC Tax Services
Running your own barber or stylist business is busy enough — tax planning doesn’t have to add stress. JC Tax Services specializes in contractor-friendly tax preparation and proactive planning that helps you track deductions, stay compliant, and keep more of your income year-round.
Ready for stress-free tax season? Let’s partner together.
Contact JC Tax Services today to get started.
FAQ
What business expenses can self-employed barbers and stylists deduct at tax time?
Self-employed barbers and stylists can deduct expenses such as tools and equipment, supplies and consumables, booth or chair rental, licensing and professional fees, business insurance, marketing and advertising, phone, internet, and software costs.
Are there less common deductions that stylists should consider during tax season?
Yes, less common but valuable deductions include education and training expenses, a home office if used exclusively for business, vehicle mileage for business travel, and travel or business meals related to training, conferences, or industry events.
What expenses are typically not deductible for a hairstylist or barber?
Expenses that are generally not deductible include personal haircuts or grooming, commuting from home to your main salon, and clothing that can be worn outside of work unless it is a branded uniform.
How can stylists ensure a smoother process when filing taxes?
Stylists can ensure a smoother tax process by keeping receipts and a mileage log, using a separate business bank account, updating their bookkeeping monthly, planning major purchases strategically, and staying informed about changing tax laws.
Why should I partner with JC Tax Services for my salon’s tax needs?
Partnering with JC Tax Services can help you manage your taxes with less stress through contractor-friendly tax preparation and proactive planning that helps you track deductions, stay compliant, and retain more of your income.
Works Cited / Resources
- https://legalclarity.org/what-can-barbers-write-off-on-taxes/
https://sapling.com/12097196/expenses-deductible-taxes-hair-stylist
https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/self-employment-taxes/self-employed-expenses-deduct/L37ZS1B8T_US_en_US
https://salonspaconnection.com/salon-tax-write-offs-deduction-tips-for-hair-stylists-and-owners/
https://www.taxslayer.com/blog/how-to-file-your-taxes-a-guide-for-hairstylists-and-cosmetologists
https://www.usetabby.com/blog/tax-deduction-guide-for-self-employed-hair-stylists
https://www.doola.com/blog/tax-tips-for-barbers-stylists-maximize-your-deductible-expenses
https://legalclarity.org/self-employed-hair-stylist-tax-deduction-worksheet/
https://www.vinceretax.com/post/barber-tax-write-offs-101-what-you-can-and-cant-deduct
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