Claiming Training & Education on Tax: A Lash and Brow Artist's Guide
Alright girls, we want to help you lash and brow artists rock your business! If you're investing in training and education to keep your skills sharp and your clients happy, guess what? As long as you're already working in the industry & can prove that the course/education you're completing directly helps your business, you can claim those expenses on your tax return *boom*!
Before we get into it: We’d like to make it clear that we are not accountants and that you should always consult with a professional accountant for financial advice.
Now - Let’s get into it and break it all down for you…
💸 WHAT YOU CAN CLAIM
In the beauty biz, staying on top of the latest trends and techniques is a must. Whether it’s building on your existing skills as a lash tech, or learning a new treatment to add to your service menu, continuous learning keeps you ahead of the game.
The ATO lets you claim training and education expenses if they’re directly related to earning your income. That means any course that helps you to improve to be a better lash or brow artist is fair game. Here’s what you can claim:
📗 Course fees
Completing online courses or certifications that up your game such as adding a new lash or brow treatment to your salon, including courses such as Brow Lamination, Lash & Brow Tinting, Airbrush Brows, Hybrid Brow Tint, Lash Lift, how to become a Beauty Trainer or industry specific marketing courses such as our Get Fully Booked in 30 Days course.
🎫 Conferences, Workshops & Seminars
Attending Industry conferences, workshops and seminars relevant to your business such as International Lash Masters, Lash Boss Summit, LashCon & Aotearoa Lash Conference, where you learn from the best in the industry.
📖 Subscriptions
Subscriptions to the coolest industry magazines or online platforms - these can include magazines or publications specific to the industry you work in.
✈️ Travel Expenses
If you need to travel for a course, you can claim transport, parking, accommodation and meals.
📗 Learning Materials
These can include things like books and e-books and guides which help to improve your business.
👩🏫 Tools and equipment
Any tools or equipment that are required to complete you courses or training can also be claimed on tax.
🧾 KEEP YOUR RECEIPTS, BABE!
The secret to claiming these expenses? Keep those receipts! The ATO wants proof, and you need to back up your claims. Without them, you will not be able to claim back any amounts.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Save Everything: Hang on to all receipts and invoices for course fees, travel and materials.
- Diary Time: Jot down the details of your training—dates, what you learned and how it helps your business.
- Log Your Travel: If you’re hitting the road for training, keep a travel log with all the deets.
TO WRAP IT UP!
Investing in your skills as a lash or brow artist not only makes you better at what you do, but it also offers some sweet tax benefits. By knowing what you can claim and keeping all your records in order, you can reduce your taxable income. And again, we suggest getting some help from a tax pro to make sure you’re doing it right.
Keep learning, stay fabulous, and make the most of getting educated & staying on top of your game!
Locks Lash x
