Can Massage Therapists Deduct Their Table, Oils, and Studio Rental?
Yes — your massage table, linens, oils, and studio or room rental are all deductible business expenses for independent massage therapists, as long as they're used to serve clients rather than for personal use.
A massage table and any specialized equipment, like a table warmer or bolster set, are ordinary costs of doing the work, so they're deductible in full or, for larger purchases, may qualify for Section 179 to deduct the full cost immediately rather than depreciating it over time. Oils, lotions, and linens used on clients are consumable supplies and fully deductible as well.
If you rent a room at a spa, wellness center, or chiropractic office, that rental fee is fully deductible, along with related costs like linen laundering services and sanitation supplies required between sessions.
Other commonly deductible massage therapist expenses:
Massage table, bolsters, and table warmers
Oils, lotions, and linens used on clients
Room or studio rental fees
License renewal, continuing education, and required certifications
Professional liability insurance
A common mistake: therapists deduct oils or linens purchased in bulk for both personal and professional use at full cost, when only the portion actually used on clients is deductible.
BossTax's free app tags supply purchases and studio rental payments automatically, so your deductions stay accurate without extra bookkeeping.
Curious what your table, oils, and rental actually add up to at tax time? Book a free intro call and we'll walk through it together. Click here.
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Related articles:
Booth Rental vs. Employment: How Taxes Differ for Massage Therapists
Do Massage Therapists Need to Pay Quarterly Taxes?
What Can Massage Therapists Deduct Besides Table and Supplies?
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