When tax season comes around, many lash artists focus on reporting their income, but the real opportunity often lies in what you’re able to deduct.

As a self-employed beauty professional, many of the tools, services, and resources you use to run your business may qualify as legitimate business expenses. The challenge is that many lash artists simply don’t realize what counts.

Here are ten tax deductions lash artists often forget when filing their taxes.

1. Lash Supplies

This is the most obvious deduction, but it’s also one of the most important.

Products like adhesive, lashes, removers, primers, disposables, tape, eye pads, and spoolies are all ordinary and necessary business expenses, meaning they can typically be deducted as part of running your lash business.

If you purchase supplies throughout the year, keeping track of those receipts can add up to significant deductions.

 

2. Lash Beds, Lights, and Equipment

Large equipment purchases used in your business can also qualify as deductions.

Examples include:

• lash beds 
• lighting systems 
• magnifying lamps 
• stools or ergonomic chairs 
• storage carts and organization systems 

These purchases help you provide services and are generally considered legitimate business expenses.

 

3. Education and Training

Investing in education is not only good for your skills, it may also be deductible.

Training programs, advanced certifications, conferences, workshops, and professional development courses related to your work as a lash artist can often qualify as a business expense.

If continuing education helps improve or expand your existing business, it may be eligible for deduction.

4. Business Insurance

Many lash artists carry insurance to protect their business, including liability coverage.

Premiums paid for business insurance policies are typically considered a legitimate business expense and may be deductible.

For lash artists, this can include:

• professional liability insurance 
• general business insurance 
• equipment coverage

* If you don’t have insurance check out ALA’s insurance options in your Member Portal

 

5. Booking Software and Business Apps

Many lash artists rely on digital tools to run their business.

Subscriptions for booking systems, payment platforms, website hosting, design tools (hello canva!) and scheduling software are often considered necessary operating expenses.

These monthly or annual subscriptions can add up, so it’s important to keep track of them.

*Tip: Don’t forget music subscriptions if you play Apple Music, Pandora, or Spotify in the salon.

 

6. Marketing and Advertising

If you spend money promoting your lash business, those costs may also qualify as deductions.

Examples include:

• social media advertising 
• website design or hosting 
• business cards and printed materials 
• promotional giveaways 
• professional photography for marketing 

Marketing is a key part of running a business, and these expenses are often deductible.

 

7. Phone and Internet (Business Use Portion)

If you use your phone to communicate with clients, manage bookings, or run social media for your business, a portion of your phone and internet expenses may qualify as business use.

Since most people use their phones for both personal and business purposes, typically only the business-use percentage would qualify.

 

8. Salon Rent or Studio Space

If you rent a room or suite inside a salon, that rent is typically considered a business expense.

For lash artists who operate out of a dedicated space, rent can often be one of the largest deductions of the year.

 

9. Mileage for Business Travel

Driving for business purposes can also count as a deduction.

Examples might include:

• driving to training classes 
• traveling to purchase supplies 
• attending industry events or conferences 

Tracking mileage throughout the year can help capture these expenses.

 

10. Professional Memberships

Memberships in professional organizations related to your industry may also qualify as a business expense.

For lash artists, professional associations can provide education, resources, networking opportunities, and business support, all of which contribute to running a professional business. (Yes, your ALA Membership counts!)

Tax season can feel overwhelming for many lash artists, but understanding your potential deductions can make a meaningful difference.

Keeping organized records throughout the year, including receipts, invoices, and transaction histories, can help ensure you’re accurately reporting both your income and your eligible expenses.

If you’re unsure how certain expenses apply to your specific situation, it’s always a good idea to consult with a qualified tax professional who understands small businesses.

Running a successful lash business involves more than great technique, it also means understanding the financial side of the industry and making informed decisions along the way.

 

Need more tax & finance clarity? Check out these Webinars in ALA

• Profit First: How to Set up your Business Finances
• Tax Filing Checklist
• End of Year Tax Preparation Checklist with a CPA Financial Advisor
• Tax Filing: What to Do and When
• The Beauty Business Money Blueprint
• Clarity & Profit in your Business
• From Lashes to Taxes: A Lash Artists Guide to Stress Free Tax Filing