Common Tax Deductions for Canadian Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs)
Why the CRA Won’t Save You Money (and Why That Matters)
Here’s something that surprises a lot of business owners:
The Canada Revenue Agency does not care if you miss legitimate business deductions.
There, I said it, but it’s true. If you forget to write something off, the CRA isn’t going to email you and say, “Hey, just checking that you didn’t miss anything. Do you have any other supplies, mileage, or insurance costs that you’d like to deduct?” That responsibility falls entirely on you.
On the flip side, many accountants are extremely busy. Some simply prepare returns based on the information they’re given and don’t have the time (or sometimes the incentive) to dig deeper and ask follow-up questions that might uncover additional deductions.
The result? Many business owners unknowingly pay more tax than they need to.
This is why it’s so important for RMTs to take ownership of the financial side of their practice, even if you work with an accountant. You don’t need to become a tax expert, but you do need to understand what types of expenses are commonly deductible so you can ask the right questions and keep the right records.
Let’s walk through some of the most common business expenses for RMTs. Please be aware that this may not be an exhaustive list, but it’s pretty dang close.
Common Business Expenses RMTs Can Deduct
As a general rule: if an expense is reasonable and incurred to earn business income, it’s often deductible, at least in part.
1. Massage Supplies & Treatment Materials
These are the most obvious (and most commonly claimed) expenses:
Massage oils, lotions, gels, creams
Linens, sheets, pillowcases
Laundry detergent and related supplies
Disinfectants, cleaning products, PPE
These are typically operating expenses, meaning they’re written off in the year you purchase them.
2. Professional Fees & Insurance
Most RMTs incur ongoing professional costs, including:
College or association fees
Professional liability insurance
Continuing education and required courses
First aid or CPR renewals
These are foundational expenses that are easy to overlook if you’re not tracking them consistently.
3. Clinic, Room Rental, or Treatment Space Costs
If you rent space in a clinic, spa, or wellness centre, you may be able to deduct:
Room rental fees
Shared supply or admin fees
4. Business Use of Home
Many RMTs qualify for home office deductions, including:
Home-based practices
Mobile therapists who do admin work from home
Eligible expenses may include a portion of:
Rent or mortgage interest
Utilities
Property taxes
Home insurance
Maintenance costs
The key word here is portion. How this is calculated matters, and it’s an area where many RMTs either under-claim or accidentally raise red flags.
5. Laundry Costs (A Big One for RMTs)
Laundry deserves its own category because it’s such a major expense for many therapists.
Depending on your situation, this may include:
Water usage
Detergent and laundry supplies
The CRA doesn’t expect perfection — they expect reasonable allocation that reflects reality.
6. Vehicle & Travel Expenses
If you use your personal vehicle for business purposes, you may be able to deduct a portion of:
Fuel and oil
Insurance
Repairs and maintenance
License and registration fees
Interest or lease costs
This is especially relevant for mobile massage therapists, but even clinic-based RMTs often have some eligible travel. Accurate tracking is essential here.
7. Equipment & Large Purchases
Some items are written off over time rather than all at once, such as:
Massage tables
Hydraulic or electric tables
Computers, tablets, or phones used for business
These fall under capital expenses, and while the mechanics can feel intimidating, understanding the basics can save you thousands over the long run.
8. Technology & Software
Often forgotten, but very common:
Online booking systems
Charting or practice management software
Accounting software
Business apps or cloud storage
9. Advertising & Marketing
If it helps you attract or retain clients, it may be deductible:
Website hosting and domains
Online ads
Business cards and signage
Social media promotions
10. Office & Administrative Expenses
These small expenses add up:
Stationery and office supplies
Printer ink and paper
Postage
Bank fees related to your business
Why This List Is Just the Starting Point
This article is meant to give you clarity, not overwhelm.
In reality, many deductions depend on:
How you operate (clinic, mobile, home-based)
How expenses are shared between personal and business use
What’s reasonable in your specific situation
This is exactly where many RMTs feel unsure, and where costly mistakes or missed opportunities happen.
Want to Feel Confident (Instead of Guessing)?
If you want to truly understand:
What you can deduct
What you shouldn’t deduct
How deductions actually reduce your tax bill
How to avoid CRA red flags
That’s exactly why I created my online course Business & Income Tax Essentials for RMTs.
The course walks you through these topics step-by-step, using real-world examples tailored specifically to Registered Massage Therapists in Canada without the jargon or fear-based advice.
What Students Has Said …
“The course was easy to understand (even for someone allergic to math) helpful and an excellent value for the quantity of CEU's gained.” R.C. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This course would have been so helpful in Massage school! I feel like I learned a lot and it also validated that I have been doing a lot right already. This course inspired some good ideas in bookkeeping as well. 100000/10 would recommend!” F.G. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This course clarified so many things for me. I do have an accountant but to fully understand, this was needed. Worth every penny.” D.S. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I feel like I have been looking for a course like this for the past 10 years. Everything was explained in an easy to understand way. I have a lot more confidence going forward. Thank you!” A.L. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Approved for Continuing Education Credits
This course has been approved for continuing education credit by most of Canada’s massage association. Details can be found on the course landing page.
Here’s an adorable penguin cheering you on … you got this!
About the Author
Jordan is a Chartered Professional Accountant. He currently manages the finance department at one of Alberta’s largest residential home services companies. He also serves as the Director of Education at Jensen CPA. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration from Mount Royal University, and his designation as a Chartered Professional Accountant from CPA Alberta. For 6-years he worked as an auditor and forensic accountant for one of the big four accounting firms. Prior to becoming a professional accountant, Jordan worked for 7-years at a major financial institution, where he gained extensive knowledge about banking and personal finance.
