How to Maximize Your Tax Deductions as a Doula

Because supporting families is beautiful - but so is keeping more of your income.

When you run a doula business, even part-time, the IRS recognizes you as a business owner. That means you have the right to deduct legitimate business expenses, lowering your taxable income and helping you keep more of what you earn.

Whether you’re just starting out or have been serving families for years, understanding what counts as a deduction can make a big difference come tax time. Here’s a breakdown of common deductions for postpartum doulas and how to make sure you’re claiming them the smart way.

Training & Continuing Education

Investing in your growth as a doula? That’s a win-win. Not only are you expanding your skills, you’re also incurring a deductible business expense.

Examples include:

Doula workshops or conferences

Continuing education trainings, such as those for NICU, lactation, infant massage, etc

Online courses or certification renewals

Tip: Save your receipts and certificates - these help demonstrate that the training is directly related to your work.

Professional Supplies & Equipment

Anything you purchase to use during client care or while running your business may qualify as a business expense.

Think about:

Birth or postpartum supplies like massage oil, herbal tea, a baby carrier, swaddles, or birth balls

Educational handouts or reference books

Tip: Even small items add up track them all year long!

Marketing & Business Expenses

Attracting clients and keeping your business running? Totally deductible.

Eligible expenses include:

Website hosting, domain registration, and booking software

Business cards, flyers, or targeted social media ads

Photography for branding or professional headshots

Tip: If it supports your doula business (and not a personal blog or unrelated hobby), it likely qualifies.

Home Office Deduction

If you use part of your home exclusively for doula business tasks such as client calls, intake paperwork, or scheduling, you may be eligible for a home office deduction.

Deductible expenses might include:

A percentage of your rent or mortgage

Utilities (electricity, water, internet)

Office furniture, a work laptop, or a printer

Tip: The space must be used only for business. Even a dedicated corner of a room can count, just be sure it’s not used for anything else.

Mileage & Travel Costs

If you have a home office, your travel to any work-related location is considered a business trip. That includes visits to a client’s home, postpartum shifts, consults at coffee shops, networking events, or continuing education locations.

Deductible travel costs include:

Mileage (based on the IRS standard mileage rate)

Parking and tolls for client visits or work-related travel

Public transportation or rideshare used for business purposes

Tip: Keep a log of your miles or use a tracking app - every trip adds up!

Memberships & Subscriptions

Staying connected to the doula world? Those memberships and resources can be written off, too.

You might deduct:

Annual fees for certification organizations like DONA, CAPPA, etc. (ABG does not require ongoing paid membership or recertification!) or a local doula collective/association.

Mentor memberships and masterminds

Journals or birth-related publications

Apps or platforms like Zoom, Canva, or educational libraries

Tip: Keep track of what you pay and jot down how you use it for your business.

Insurance Premiums

Insurance is a must for most doulas, and some policies may be partially deductible.

Common deductions include:

Professional liability or malpractice insurance

Business property insurance

Self-employed health insurance premiums (with some restrictions- usually limited to companies that run employees)

Tip: Only the portion used for business is deductible for business insurance. Check with a tax professional for clarity.

Client Education & Gifts

Do you give your clients handouts, small gifts, or care packages as part of your service? While these things are not required, some doulas build them into their practice. Those costs may be deductible as long as they tie directly to your work.

Examples include:

Educational resources that you purchase, not produce (handouts, ebooks, guides)

Self-care items (essential oils, teas, herbal sitz baths)

Small welcome or postpartum gifts

Tip: The IRS caps deductions for gifts at $25 per client per year so keep that in mind as you plan your packages.

Software & Tools

If it helps you run your business smoothly, it's likely deductible.

This could include:

Scheduling or invoicing platforms

Bookkeeping or accounting software

Email marketing tools or CRMs

Tip: Both monthly and annual subscriptions count, just make sure it’s for business use.

Bank & Payment Processing Fees

Getting paid costs money, and those costs are deductible, too.

You can write off:

Fees from payment processors like PayPal, Square, or Venmo (business accounts)

Monthly fees for a business checking account

Credit card processing fees

Tip: Keeping your personal and business finances separate makes it much easier to track these expenses and stay organized.

Bonus Tip: Work with a Tax Pro Who Gets Birth Work

Tax rules can be tricky, and it helps to work with someone who understands the unique nature of birth and postpartum care. A good tax preparer can help you maximize deductions without raising red flags and make sure you’re staying compliant as your business grows.

The Bottom Line?

You’re doing incredible work, and your taxes should reflect the true costs of running a heart-centered business. With a little tracking and planning, your tax return can become one more way you’re setting your doula practice up for long-term success and sustainability.

* I am not a tax professional, so this information is meant to be a helpful guide, but it is important to still do your own research and check with your tax professional!