Deductible Medical Practice Expenses: What Can You Write Off > 자유게시판

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Medical practice owners often wonder what costs they can actually write off on their taxes.
Fundamentally, the IRS permits deductions for ordinary and necessary expenses that support your practice's operation.
Still, not every bill that arrives in your inbox is deductible, and the rules can be more subtle than you might think.
Below is a practical guide to help you separate the deductible from the non‑deductible, ensuring you keep more of your hard‑earned dollars.

Decoding the Tax Code
Section 162 of the Internal Revenue Code is the key provision governing medical practice deductions, allowing deductions for "any…expense…which is incurred in carrying on…a trade or business."
For medical practices, this implies any expense that is ordinary (standard in your field) and necessary (facilitates income generation).
While the IRS treats some health‑related expenses differently, the majority of everyday practice costs are firmly within Section 162.

Classes of Deductible Expenses
Rent for the space where you see patients, hold staff meetings, or keep your medical records is fully deductible.
Utility bills (electricity, water, heating, internet, phone lines) that support the day‑to‑day operation of your clinic can be written off.
Property taxes and insurance premiums for the office property are also deductible.
Medical tools, diagnostic devices, and computers directly employed for patient care are eligible.
Refillable items such as syringes, gloves, and other sterile supplies are deductible as they are considered ordinary and necessary.
Expensive equipment may require depreciation over multiple years instead of a single expense.
Salaries, bonuses, and commissions given to doctors, nurses, technicians, and admin staff are deductible.
Employer contributions to health insurance, retirement plans, and other employee benefits count as business expenses.
Training and continuing education costs for staff that keep your practice up to date are also deductible.
Fees paid to state medical boards, licensing bodies, and specialty societies are deductible.
Dues for professional societies providing continuing education or networking can be deducted.
Legal and accounting fees that support your practice’s compliance and financial management are deductible.
Expenses for brochures, business cards, website development, online advertising, and local media are deductible.
Social media promotion, SEO, and patient outreach initiatives are also ordinary deductible expenses.
Yet, personal or non‑business advertising is not deductible.
Malpractice insurance is a critical deductible expense.
General liability, property, workers’ compensation, and cyber‑security insurance premiums are also deductible.
Self‑employed practitioners can deduct their own health insurance premiums as an adjustment to income.
Travel expenses for continuing education seminars, conferences, or to meet with suppliers can be deducted.
Meals directly tied to business, such as a lunch with a potential collaborator, are 50% deductible.
Maintain detailed records to support these expenses.
Large purchases like MRI machines or surgical suites can be depreciated over a period of 7–10 years.
The IRS offers depreciation schedules, e.g., MACRS, to spread expenses over time and retain a tax benefit.
Pens, paper, toner, and other consumables that keep the office running are deductible.
Software subscriptions, cloud services, and electronic health record (EHR) systems also count as ordinary business expenses.
Routine repairs that keep equipment operational—like fixing a broken X‑ray machine or repairing a broken bathroom fixture—are deductible.
Large renovations that alter the office structure are treated differently and might need depreciation.

What is NOT Deductible
Understanding non‑deductible items is equally crucial:
Personal expenses: Meals with friends, personal travel, and non‑business related hobbies are not deductible.
Donations to political parties or campaigns are not deductible.
Fines and penalties: Penalties imposed by the IRS or other regulatory bodies are not deductible.
Cosmetic upgrades that don’t have a direct business purpose: While a new paint job might look nice, if it’s purely aesthetic with no functional benefit, it may not qualify.
Some health‑insurance premiums: When you receive a salary and buy health insurance separately, the portion not regarded as a business expense may not be deductible.

Record‑Keeping Tips
The IRS values thorough records. Here’s how to maintain your books properly:
Separate Accounts: Keep a dedicated bank account and credit card for all practice expenses.
Receipts: Keep every receipt, invoice, and statement. Digital scanning works—store originals or copies in a secure folder.
Detailed Logs: Keep a log for travel, meals, and equipment purchases, noting dates, purpose, and amounts.
Depreciation Schedule: Use a spreadsheet or accounting software to track depreciation of large assets.
Annual Reviews: Conduct a year‑end review of all expenses against IRS categories to avoid missing deductions.

Strategies for Filing Taxes
Section 179 Deduction: With qualifying equipment purchases, you might expense the full cost the year bought instead of depreciating it.
Bonus Depreciation: Updated tax law permits accelerated depreciation for specific assets, 節税対策 無料相談 yielding a larger deduction at the start.
Qualified Business Income Deduction: Qualified practices may reduce taxable income by as much as 20%.
Account for COVID‑19 Credits: If you received the CARES Act or other pandemic‑related tax relief, ensure you’re not double‑counting deductions.

When in Doubt, Consult a Professional
The tax code is ever‑changing. A CPA or tax attorney focused on medical practices can guide you:
Pinpoint all possible deductions.
Select a business entity (LLC, S‑corp, etc.) that maximizes tax benefits.
Ensure compliance with IRS rules to avoid audits.
Keep you informed about new tax incentives for tech or patient care upgrades.

Conclusion
Deductible medical practice expenses aren’t just a way to lower your tax bill—they’re a reflection of what it takes to deliver quality patient care.
Understanding which costs are deductible, maintaining meticulous records, and partnering with a knowledgeable tax professional keeps your practice financially sound while preserving service quality.
Remember: a well‑managed deduction strategy is just as essential to your practice’s longevity as your clinical expertise.