If you’re a self-employed midwife, understanding what you can legally deduct can significantly reduce your tax bill. While the IRS does not offer deductions exclusively for midwives, many healthcare and self-employment deductions commonly apply to your work.
🩺 Medical & Clinical Supplies
- Birth kits
- Gloves and PPE
- Dopplers and fetal monitors
- Medical instruments
- Disposable medical supplies
- Medications or supplements provided to clients
🏥 Professional Expenses
- License and certification fees (CNM, CPM, renewals)
- Continuing education (CEUs, conferences, workshops)
- Professional association dues (ACNM, MANA, etc.)
- Required supervision or collaboration fees
🚗 Mileage & Travel
- Prenatal visits
- On-call birth travel
- Postpartum home visits
- Hospitals, labs, and supply pickups
Note: Use either the standard mileage rate or actual expenses — not both.
🏠 Home Office Deduction
- Client records and charting
- Telehealth visits
- Administrative work
💻 Technology & Software
- EHR or charting software
- Scheduling and billing systems
- HIPAA-secure email
- Website & hosting
- Accounting software
🛡️ Insurance
- Professional liability / malpractice insurance
- Business insurance
- Self-employed health insurance premiums
📣 Marketing & Client Acquisition
- Website design
- SEO and ads
- Flyers and print materials
- Branding & photography
🧾 Contract Labor
- Backup midwives
- Assistants
- Bookkeepers
- Virtual assistants
You may need to issue Form 1099-NEC.
💰 Retirement Contributions
- SEP-IRA
- Solo 401(k)
Employee Midwives (W-2)
Most unreimbursed expenses are not deductible federally. Possible exceptions may apply at the state level.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can a self-employed midwife deduct mileage?
Yes. Mileage for prenatal visits, births, and postpartum care is deductible if properly documented.
Are midwife clothes tax deductible?
Only if the clothing is specialized and not suitable for everyday wear.
Can midwives deduct continuing education?
Yes, as long as the education maintains or improves current skills and does not qualify you for a new career.
Do I need to issue 1099s?
Yes, if you pay contractors $600 or more during the year.
Need Help With Your Taxes?
At Yessenia’s Income Tax, we specialize in helping self-employed healthcare professionals maximize deductions while staying IRS compliant.