Tax Deductions for Massage Therapy

Did you know that at least 50 million Americans have discussed massage therapy with their health care service providers at some point in their lives? And approximately 48 million of them obtain over 214 million massages in a given year.

It’s safe to say that massage sessions are pretty popular. But that is not surprising. After all, they offer plenty of benefits to their recipients that are worth considering. So, it is wise to consider whether a massage is tax deductible if you intend to pay for several sessions in the near future.

Some of the benefits of message therapy are included below.

• It increases relaxation and reduces stress, which makes it suitable for highly overworked Americans
• It cuts down pain, tension, and muscle soreness, which makes it suitable for athletes, fitness fanatics, and those with very physical jobs
• It increases circulation as well as energy and alertness levels, which makes it excellent for those with circulation issues and anyone who needs to focus better
• It enhances the immune system, which makes it suitable for people with various health problems
• It decreases blood pressure and heart rate, which helps to improve general health

Unfortunately, massage therapy can be costly. Depending on where you get one, expect to pay anywhere from ​$50 to $90 per hour​. Over time, that could significantly add up and cost you a pretty penny.

For that reason, you should look for ways to make the massage tax deductible. That way, you could experience tax relief and keep some money in your pocket.

Here are several strategies you could use.

If you are getting massage therapy for medical reasons, upon your doctor’s advice, and you have proof, you could claim tax exemption for the services.

First, you would have to itemize your medical costs on Schedule A (Form 1040). When you add up all your medical expenses, and the total exceeds ​7.5 percent ​of your adjusted gross income (AGI), you can deduct your massage therapy costs beyond that threshold.

If you are self-employed in the massage field, you could get some tax breaks related to your massage sessions if you do some research.

For example, you could deduct your self-employment health insurance premiums up to ​100 percent​, while providing coverage for yourself, children and spouse. And if your massage therapy sessions are medically necessary, you will get reimbursed for them from your insurer. In addition, if you meet the income requirements, you could take advantage of the premium tax credit to help get some relief for your monthly health insurance premiums.

Should you opt to deduct your self-employed health insurance premiums, you have to use Schedule 1 (Form 1040). You can fill in the required information on ​Line 17​.

Sales taxes are usually applied on products and services at the point of consumption. And some states, such as New York, usually charge sales taxes on massage therapy.

Luckily, as a taxpayer, you can claim deductions for local and state taxes if you choose to itemize. As long as you don’t exceed the ​$10,000 ​deduction limit applied to property, sales, and state and local income taxes (lowered to ​$5,000​ when filing separately from your spouse), sales tax on your massage therapy sessions may be deductible. In such a case, you can claim them on Form 1040’s Schedule A.

Where possible, endeavor to make many a massage tax deductible to cut down on your costs. Find which option works best for you and use it.