Industry Guide
Tax guidance for beauty and wellness professionals.
Stylists, barbers, nail techs, estheticians, and salon owners — booth renters and W-2 employees have very different filings.
Who this is for
Built for beauty professionals
For licensed cosmetologists, barbers, estheticians, lash techs, and salon owners. Booth renters typically file Schedule C; commission-based W-2 employees file differently.
Common income sources
- Booth rental service income
- Retail product sales
- Tips (cash and card)
- Commissions (W-2 employees)
Commonly considered expense categories
- Booth or suite rent
- Products, tools, and supplies
- License, insurance, and continuing education
- Marketing (social media ads, business cards)
- Booking platform fees
May be deductible if eligible and properly documented. Rules vary — verify with a professional.
Recordkeeping
Recordkeeping checklist
- Booth rent receipts
- Product and supply invoices
- Tip logs (daily)
- Booking platform statements
Watch outs
Common mistakes to avoid
- Underreporting cash tips
- Mixing personal and business inventory
- Not tracking booth rent paid via Venmo or CashApp
- Skipping quarterly estimated taxes
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Industry guides are general educational information for beauty professionals and do not constitute tax advice. Rules change often and personal circumstances vary — please consult a qualified tax professional.
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