I rent a suite at Sola Salons — is that fully deductible?

Yes — monthly suite rental fees at Sola, My Salon Suite, Phenix, or any independent suite are fully deductible as business rent expense on Schedule C.

Are professional skincare products I use on clients deductible?

Yes — products used in client treatments are cost of goods sold and are 100% deductible. Products you purchase for personal use are not.

Can I deduct a microneedling device?

Yes — professional esthetic equipment is deductible as a business asset. Under Section 179, you can expense the full cost in the year of purchase. Keep the receipt and documentation of the business use.

Are continuing education courses for new services (lash lifts, brows) deductible?

Yes — CE courses that expand your service menu and maintain your license are fully deductible professional development expenses, even if they teach a new service you haven't previously offered.

Schedule C · Self-Employed

Tax Write-Offs for Estheticians

Licensed estheticians who rent a suite, booth, or operate independently are self-employed. Your skincare products, facial equipment, room rental, licensing, and advanced training are all deductible on Schedule C — most estheticians significantly underclaim these write-offs.

Avg. annual savings$2,700

Track My Esthetician Write-Offs — $14/mo

Top 6 Tax Write-Offs for Estheticians

Skincare Products & Supplies

100% deductible

Cleansers, serums, masks, peels, exfoliants, moisturizers, and all professional skincare products used in client treatments. These are your cost of goods sold and are 100% deductible.

Schedule C, Line 38

Esthetic Equipment

100% deductible

Facial steamers, high-frequency machines, microdermabrasion devices, LED therapy panels, extraction tools, and any professional treatment equipment. Use Section 179 for full-year expensing.

Schedule C, Line 13

Suite or Room Rental

100% deductible

Monthly rent for a treatment room, spa suite, or esthetics booth is your likely largest expense and is fully deductible as business rent.

Schedule C, Line 20b

Esthetics License & Continuing Education

100% deductible

State esthetics license fees, renewal costs, and all CE courses required to maintain your license, including advanced certifications in chemical peels, microneedling, lash extensions, and brow services.

Schedule C, Line 23

Professional Liability Insurance

100% deductible

Esthetics professional liability insurance (through ASCP or other insurers) is required by many suite rental agreements and is fully deductible.

Schedule C, Line 15

Linens, Disposables & Sanitation

100% deductible

Facial towels, headbands, gauze, cotton, disposable wax strips, gloves, and all sanitation supplies required for client treatments.

Schedule C, Line 22

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not deducting suite rental — this is typically your #1 expense and fully deductible.
Missing skincare product costs — professional-grade products are expensive and 100% deductible.
Forgetting advanced certification costs (microneedling, chemical peels) — these are significant professional development investments.
Not deducting ASCP or other professional association membership and insurance fees.

Recordkeeping Tips

Keep all suite rental agreements and monthly payment receipts.
Save product invoices from your skincare wholesale distributor (Dermalogica Pro, Eminence wholesale, etc.).
Track continuing education course completion and receipts by year.
Document equipment purchases for Section 179 — photo the equipment with the receipt.

Frequently Asked Questions

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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. Consult a qualified CPA or tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.