In this blog, we will delve into the primary taxes applicable to salon owners, discuss their rates and the importance of staying compliant, and explore the exemptions available to help reduce their tax liabilities.
Salon owners in the United States are subject to several types of taxes that ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws. These taxes vary depending on the services offered, business structure, and location. Let’s see the types in detail below,
If your salon offers indoor tanning services, you are subject to a federal excise tax of 10% on the amount paid for these services. This tax must be collected from customers at the time of sale and reported quarterly using IRS Form 720.
Tax Rate: 10% of the amount charged for indoor UV tanning services.
Key Details:
Applies only to indoor UV tanning services.
Does not include spray tans, tanning lotions, or other non-UV services.
Why it Matters: Failure to comply with this excise tax can lead to penalties and interest. Salon owners need to maintain accurate records of their tanning service transactions.
Read our blog on why there is a tax on tanning for a detailed guide!State and local governments often impose a sales tax on certain products and services offered by salons. This can include retail items like shampoos, conditioners, or beauty tools, as well as services such as haircuts and spa treatments, depending on the jurisdiction.
Tax Rate: Varies by state, typically ranging from 4% to 10%.
Key Details:
Some states exempt specific salon services from sales tax, while others tax all services.
Salon owners must register for a sales tax permit and collect tax from customers.
For salon owners operating as sole proprietors or independent contractors, self-employment tax is mandatory. This tax covers Social Security and Medicare contributions.
Tax Rate: 15.3% of net earnings (12.4% for Social Security and 2.9% for Medicare).
Key Details:
Salon owners can deduct half of the self-employment tax when calculating their taxable income.
Why it Matters: Proper planning for self-employment tax helps avoid underpayment penalties and ensures adequate retirement and healthcare contributions.
Source: https://pabau.com/blog/taxes-guide-for-salons-and-spas/Salon owners, regardless of their business structure, must pay federal and state income taxes on their earnings. The method of taxation varies based on the business entity type (e.g., sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation).
Tax Rate: Federal rates range from 10% to 37% (progressive brackets), while state income tax rates range from 0% (in states without income tax) to over 13%.
Key Details:
Business expenses such as rent, supplies, and employee wages can be deducted to lower taxable income.
For salon owners with employees, employment taxes are a critical responsibility. These include federal income tax withholding, Social Security, Medicare, and unemployment taxes.
Tax Rates:
Social Security: 6.2% for employers, matched by 6.2% from employees.
Medicare: 1.45% for employers, matched by 1.45% from employees.
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA): 6% on the first $7,000 of an employee's wages, reduced by state unemployment tax credits.
Key Details:
Employers must withhold and remit these taxes on behalf of their employees.
For salon suite owners renting out spaces to individual stylists, taxes may differ slightly. While individual suite renters are responsible for their self-employment taxes, the salon suite owner might still have obligations for property tax and lease income reporting.
Tax Rates:
Self-employment tax: 15.3% (for suite renters).
Property tax: Rates vary by locality.
Rental income tax: Federal and state income tax brackets apply.
Key Details:
Rental income must be reported for tax purposes.
Why it Matters: Structuring rental agreements properly and maintaining detailed financial records can help salon suite owners manage their tax liabilities efficiently.
Source: https://www.suitesocietystudios.com/post/salon-suite-taxes-and-fees-what-you-need-to-knowCertain states impose additional taxes or surcharges on salon services. For example, luxury taxes or professional licensing fees may apply to high-end services in some areas.
Tax Rates: Varies by state and service type. For example:
Business privilege tax or gross receipts tax: Rates depend on the state.
Licensing fees: Range from $50 to several hundred dollars annually.
Key Details:
Licensing and renewal fees for cosmetology professionals are often mandated.
Why it Matters: Staying informed about state-specific requirements helps salon owners avoid surprises during tax season.
Source: https://www.tax.ny.gov/pubs_and_bulls/tg_bulletins/st/beauty_salons_barbers.htmThe federal excise tax of 10% on indoor tanning services has specific exemptions:
Spray-On Tanning Services: These are exempt because they do not involve UV radiation.
Topical Creams and Lotions: Products such as tanning lotions are not subject to this tax.
Medical Phototherapy Services: Treatments performed by licensed medical professionals on their premises are exempt.
Qualified Physical Fitness Facilities: Fitness centres that offer tanning as an incidental service to members without charging a separate fee are not taxed.
These exemptions help reduce the tax burden for businesses that offer diverse tanning and skin care services.
Salon owners can claim deductions for a wide range of operating expenses:
Rent and Utilities: Costs for leasing salon space, electricity, water, and internet are deductible.
Supplies and Equipment: Items such as shampoos, styling tools, chairs, and towels qualify.
Employee Wages and Benefits: Payroll expenses, including employee benefits and taxes, can be deducted.
Travel expenses for attending industry events, visiting clients, or other business-related trips are deductible. If part of the business is operated from a home office, owners can deduct a portion of their rent, utilities, and internet costs.
For additional guidance, refer to SquareUp: Tax Deductions for Salons.WRAP:
By the end of this blog, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the various types of taxes salon owners are required to pay to comply with federal, state, and local government regulations.
Additionally, we have outlined the exemptions and deductions available to salon owners, providing valuable insights into how they can reduce their tax liabilities while maintaining full compliance.
Why not file your Tanning Tax online with Simple 720? Register for a product demo today—our experts are ready to assist!