Updated: March 1, 2024
By Robyn Parets, Founder & CEO of Pretzel Kids
If you’re a yoga teacher, you know the many benefits of teaching yoga, right?
And if you’re a children’s yoga teacher, well then, bet you lovethose smiling faces when the kiddos leave your class. It’s also pretty awesome to run your own kids yoga company, do something you love, and help both kids and their parents achieve a little bit of peace.
But you probably also know thatteachingyoga to children isn’t always fun and games.
Indeed, you can’t ignore the fact that you are likely paid as an independent contractor and have to deal with filing your taxes.I’ve been there, done that – every year for the past 20 years.
It’s no fun.
Yet, the taxing filing deadline of April 15 is almost here. That means it’s time to get a leg up on organizing your taxes for 2023.
Indeed, the sooner you get your tax situation in order, the better off you’ll be come spring. Besides,tax deductions for yoga teachers can lower the amount you owe Uncle Sam or perhaps net you an even bigger refund. Either way: This can mean more money in the bank for you.
So, stop procrastinating and take a look at our the top 10 tax deductions for yoga teachers.
1. Home office
If this marked your first year teaching yoga and you’re using a home office to handle your administrative tasks, you may not realize that you can deduct home office expenses even though you don’t have a separate “office” in your residence. Although a dedicated office is ideal, this may not be an option if you live in an apartment with roommates or live in your parents basem*nt (hopefully not!) Luckily for you, you can allocate a corner of your dining room or even your bedroom as your work space. According to the IRS, you can deduct a portion of your rent or mortgage for the room or space that is used exclusively for business purposes.
2. Home office supplies, equipment and furnishings
Talking about a home office, you can also deduct expenses related to the purchase of home office supplies and computer equipment. This includes office furniture like a new stand/sit desk. I spent about $700 on my stand/sit electronic desk three years ago and it was money well-spent. My back fatigue is now gone,plus I got to write it off as an office furnishings expense. Besides a new desk, other big ticket office items may include an ergonomic chair, a printer, or a new laptop. And, don’t forget about smaller everyday office supplies like printer paper, notebooks, paper clips or anything else you need to run your business. These are all typically deductible too.
3. Utilities, wireless and other related services
Just like you can deduct a percentage of your mortgage or rent as home office space, you can usually do the same thing for utilities and other household bills. For example, you can typically deduct the portion of your electricity, gas, cable, wireless and cell phone bill used to conduct business. Just make sure you keep accurate records and remember: Your personal household bills are not deductible.
4. Yoga Insurance
Yoga liability insurance is an expense that is often overlooked, especially if you’re a newly minted yoga teacher. Yet, fitness liability insurance is crucial! And because we know how important it is to be insured, Pretzel Kids offers a special discount for you to get covered by our partner BeYogi.
5. Automobile expenses
Do you drive your car to all of your classes? The life of aroving yoga instructor can certainly put a lot of wear and tear on your car (and you!) but it’s a necessary evil. The good news: As a yoga teacher, you can deduct the standard mileage rate, according to the IRS.
6. Travel costs
If you are planning to travel to yoga events, kids yoga parties, teacher trainings, festivals, and conferences to enhance your education, you can usually deduct related hotel bills, airline travel, or other associated expenses.
7. Education Expenses
Are you a yoga or fitness instructor planning on enrolling in another kids yoga teacher training? Do you want to take online courses to further your yoga education, such as the Pretzel Kids Yoga Method Course? Well, you may be able to deduct the amount you spend as these are educationalexpenses to further your career. (Courses you take to change your career are not typically deductible. Check with your tax advisor to be sure.)
8. Supplies related to your yoga business
If you buy exercise equipment for your classes – like a balance ball, yoga mats and props for your Pretzel Kids yoga classes–that’s usually deductible. In my situation, I deduct the cost of yoga props and other fitness equipment that I use for my classes.
9. Marketing
Do you intend to purchase marketing materials for your yoga business, including brochures, flyers, mailers or business cards? If so, these are typically tax deductible (If you’re a Pretzel Kids member teacher, we provide you with all sorts of marketing templates!) In addition, you can usually write off costs for online advertising through platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Google. And, don’t forget about paid email marketing and other subscription costs.
10. Yoga professional service fees
Are you planning to hire a web designer, social media expert, business coach, or even an accountant to handle your bookkeeping? If so, you can usually deduct these professional fees. You can also typically deduct fees for other professional services, like thePretzelKids Teacher Association (PkTA). This can also sometimes be categorized as a subscription or dues – also often taxdeductible.
Final Word on Tax Deductions for Yoga Teachers
Regardless of which tax deductions seem appropriate for you, it’s a good idea to seek advice from an accountant or financial advisor. And, keep this in mind: The cost to hire a tax expert may be tax-deductible. A win-win.
Editor’s Note: Do you want to start a business teaching kids yoga? Let’s do this!
About Robyn
Robyn Parets is the founder and CEO of Pretzel Kids.
