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Home office or office rent
If you use a specific space regularly and exclusively for your practice, including to meet clients, a home office may be deductible. Rent for an outside office, subleased space or telehealth equipment may also qualify. If your practice is an S corporation, an accountable plan handles home office costs. Employees generally cannot deduct unreimbursed home office costs.
One useful actionMeasure the space, take a photo and keep a log of use. Keep lease or rent records.
IRS business use of home guidance ↗02
Solo 401(k) or SEP IRA
Self-employed therapists can contribute to a SEP-IRA, up to the lesser of 25% of pay or $72,000 for 2026, or to a solo 401(k), with a $24,500 employee deferral limit for 2026 plus an employer contribution. A SEP can be set up as late as the tax return due date. Check the rules if you have any employees.
One useful actionDecide before year-end which plan fits your income, then confirm the deadline for starting it.
IRS SEP contribution limits ↗ IRS one-participant 401(k) plans ↗03
Training, supervision and professional liability
Professional liability premiums and training that maintains or improves skills in your current practice may be deductible. Education needed to meet the minimum requirements for the profession, or to qualify for a new one, generally is not.
One useful actionKeep certificates, invoices and notes on how each course relates to your current services.
IRS small business tax guide ↗Business expenses must be ordinary and necessary. Keep receipts and the business purpose; separate personal use and reimbursements. Dollar limits shown are for 2026 and can change; eligibility and entity type matter. General education, not individual tax advice.
