Tax Deductions for Tutors & Online Educators
Whether you tutor in person or teach online through platforms like Wyzant, Varsity Tutors, or your own website, your teaching business has valuable deductions. From educational materials to tech equipment, here's what you can write off.
Teaching Materials & Supplies
Textbooks, workbooks, worksheets, manipulatives, whiteboards, markers, and educational games purchased for tutoring sessions are deductible supplies.
Online Teaching Platform Fees
Fees and commissions charged by tutoring platforms (Wyzant, Varsity Tutors, Preply), video conferencing subscriptions (Zoom Pro), and virtual whiteboard tools are deductible.
Computer & Tech Equipment
Laptops, tablets, webcams, headsets, document cameras, and drawing tablets used for teaching are deductible. Section 179 applies to items over $2,500.
Background Checks & Certifications
Background check fees required by tutoring platforms, teaching certifications, and state credential renewals are deductible business expenses.
Home Office Deduction
If you use part of your home regularly and exclusively for business, you can deduct a portion of rent/mortgage, utilities, and insurance. The simplified method allows $5/sq ft up to 300 sq ft ($1,500 max).
Pro Tip: The simplified method is easier but caps at $1,500. If your actual expenses exceed that, use the regular method and keep records of all housing costs.
Phone & Internet
The business-use percentage of your cell phone bill and internet service is deductible. If you use your phone 70% for business, you can deduct 70% of the bill.
Pro Tip: Keep a log for one representative month showing business vs. personal usage to establish your percentage.
Mileage / Vehicle Expenses
Business miles driven can be deducted using the standard mileage rate (67 cents/mile for 2024) or actual expenses (gas, insurance, repairs, depreciation). You must keep a mileage log.
Pro Tip: The standard mileage rate is simpler, but actual expenses may yield a larger deduction for expensive vehicles. You must choose one method in the first year you use the car for business.
Advertising & Marketing
Costs for promoting your business are deductible, including website hosting, social media ads, business cards, flyers, SEO services, and online directory listings.
Education & Professional Development
Courses, workshops, books, and conferences that maintain or improve skills in your current profession are deductible. The education must relate to your existing trade.
Pro Tip: Education that qualifies you for a new profession is NOT deductible as a business expense, even if it's related to your field.
Self-Employed Health Insurance
Self-employed individuals can deduct 100% of health insurance premiums for themselves, their spouse, and dependents. This is an above-the-line deduction taken on Form 1040, not Schedule C.
Pro Tip: This deduction cannot exceed your net self-employment income. If you're eligible for employer-sponsored coverage through a spouse, you cannot take this deduction.
Self-Employment Tax Deduction
You can deduct the employer-equivalent portion (50%) of your self-employment tax. This is an above-the-line deduction that reduces your adjusted gross income.
Pro Tip: This deduction is automatic when you file Schedule SE. It reduces your income tax but not your self-employment tax.
Retirement Contributions (SEP-IRA / Solo 401k)
Self-employed individuals can contribute to a SEP-IRA (up to 25% of net SE earnings, max $69,000 for 2024) or Solo 401(k) with employee + employer contributions.
Pro Tip: A Solo 401(k) lets you contribute more at lower income levels because of the employee elective deferral ($23,000 for 2024 + catch-up if 50+).
Professional Services (Accounting & Legal)
Fees paid to accountants, tax preparers, bookkeepers, and attorneys for business-related services are deductible. This includes tax preparation software fees for your business return.
Related Resources
Track your tutors & online educators deductions automatically
WriteOff connects to your bank, categorizes expenses with AI, and generates IRS-ready reports at tax time.
Start Free Trial