Stay Tax-Ready in 2025: 3 Tips for Salon Pros to Know Before Filing

Your 5-Minute Guide to Stress-Free Finances & Tax Prep—From a Financial Expert

Still knee-deep in receipts and wondering where half your write-offs went? Or maybe you’re already vowing next tax season won’t look like this again. Either way—this guide is your reset.

If tracking expenses feels chaotic and tax prep always comes down to the wire, you’re not alone. But staying on top of your finances doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it just takes a system that actually works for you.

That’s why we teamed up with financial expert Anna Manukyan (@amanukyan), Certified Financial Educator and Senior Director of Education and Creative at Ulta Beauty, to bring you the real deal on staying organized year-round.

In this quick, 5-minute read, you’ll get:

• Tools to track expenses without the paper clutter
  
• Tips for separating business and personal money (and why it matters)
  
• A once-a-month habit that keeps you tax-ready
  
• The link between better tracking and bigger deductions
  
  

Below, Anna outlines how-to skip the panic next April and set yourself up to keep more of what you earn.

1. Keep Your Finances Organized

Let’s start with the basics—because staying tax-ready begins with how you track your money daily. Here are a few habits that keep things tidy and tax-ready all year long:

• Use Accounting Software: Tools like QuickBooks, Wave or FreshBooks help you track income, categorize expenses and generate reports.
• Digitize Receipts: Use apps like Expensify or Shoeboxed to scan and organize receipts, eliminating the need for a shoebox or drawers full of paper.
• Categorize Expenses: Keep a list of expenses (e.g., equipment, education, rent).
• Separate Business and Personal Finances: Open a dedicated business checking account and credit card to avoid confusion and simplify tracking.
• Track Business Miles: Use an app or logbook for work-related travel.
• Review Monthly: Set aside time at the end of each month to reconcile expenses, identify missed deductions and keep everything up to date.
• Save Documentation: Store receipts and invoices digitally or in a dedicated folder.

2. Don’t Skip Quarterly Estimated Tax Payments

If you’re self-employed, the IRS expects you to pay taxes throughout the year—not just in April. 

Why It’s Important:

• Avoid Surprises: Quarterly payments ensure you’re paying taxes throughout the year, preventing a large bill in April.
• Reduce Penalties: Underpaying taxes can result in fines. Calculating and paying quarterly keeps you compliant.

Download Our FREE Tax Guide To Stay Ahead on Income Tracking From Third–Party Payment Apps.

3. Maximize Deductions and Credits

One of the best questions to ask your CPA is what you can legally deduct. Here are some of the top tax write-offs for salon professionals to discuss:

• Supplies and Tools: Hair products, scissors and styling equipment
• Education: Costs for workshops, classes or certifications
• Workspace: Home office expenses if you run a part of your business from home
• Travel: Mileage and travel expenses for business-related trips
• Marketing: Costs for social media ads, website hosting and other promotional efforts

Don’t Miss These Must-Know Tax Write-Offs!